Second Act: Former Chief Justice Reinvents Himself as Mental Health Advocate

By Kathie Ragsdale

While asleep in his bed on a spring night in 2002, then-New Hampshire Supreme Court Associate Justice John T. Broderick Jr. was beaten unrecognizable by his son.

Media across the country carried stories of the attack, drawn by the seeming rarity of so distinguished an individual harmed by one of his own.

Now, 16 years later, Broderick is on a mission to raise awareness about what triggered his family tragedy and visits suffering on many others: mental illness. Read more at our partner website NH Bar News

Roads to Recovery II

Franklin Mayor's Drug Task Force

A pizzeria in Franklin was the staging ground for local students to raise awareness about substance use disorder. As part of the Franklin Mayor's Drug Task Force they teamed up with a local pizzeria and placed flyers about substance misuse on pizza boxes.

Nearly every community deals with the challenges of substance use disorder. It doesn’t discriminate and the effects are devastating. The problem might seem unbeatable, but young people throughout New Hampshire have the tools to fight back.

Students armed with knowledge mobilize in their communities and show how small changes in behavior, like the proper disposal of unused prescriptions can lead to big improvements. In ROADS TO RECOVERY II, teenagers from all over New Hampshire share their solution stories about hope, education and empowerment.

One way to combat substance use disorder is through frank and honest education and awareness programs. ROADS TO RECOVERY II explores local programs that empower teenagers to take the fight against substance use into their schools, neighborhoods and to the statehouse

Watch more at our partner NH PBS

We Are One: Stories of hope, power, connections Derry forum offers youth perspectives on mental health struggles

DERRY, N.H. — Jenny Chesney offered a definition of one of her favorite words — resilient.

And the young woman says that's how she feels today, after struggling with mental issues and overcoming many hardships through her own personal circumstances.

Chesney was one of a panel of five who shared their own stories, part of the first We Are One: Empowered Through Connections, United By Hope event, powered and led by young people as a way to discuss mental health, substance misuse and suicide awareness and prevention.

The event, held Tuesday night at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Derry, drew families, youth, and community partners together for one night of stories, hope and resources. Dr. Christopher Peterson, pediatrician and mental health advocate, served as the night's moderator.

For Chesney, it began when she was only 3 years old, experiencing bouts of instant, on and off energy and other symptoms that were ignored for a long time. Read More at our partner publications The Eagle Tribune and Manchester Ink Link