Good on you, Susan Mead. I think many would agree that Nashua and the surrounding towns are better places because of your dedication, compassion and skill in trying to help those struggling with mental health issues, as well as those experiencing homelessness.
I know Ms. Mead. She’s a wonderful individual, a cool lady and one who keenly understands the human condition.
Social work is tough, often complicated and comes with limited public recognition. Last week, Nashua city officials celebrated Mead’s successes and thanked her for 40 years of “remarkable dedication as the community outreach and education coordinator for Greater Nashua Mental Health.”
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess and the Board of Aldermen gave Mead a standing ovation and presented her with a formal recognition award.
Donchess cited her service to the center as one with “vision, integrity and unwavering compassion. Throughout her distinguished tenure, she has championed access to high-quality comprehensive mental health services for individuals and families in our community and ensured that care is delivered with dignity, respect and hope.”
Mead, who is retiring, was touched by the award, saying that the work she has accomplished over four decades with GNMH has been an honor and a privilege. “I’ve met so many passionate souls in the continuum of care who really do try and make an impact.”
Beliefs about mental illness have certainly evolved, but stigma remains, and that is the challenge many outreach experts like Susan Mead work tirelessly to break. She and those employed by Greater Nashua Mental Health have strengthened community partnerships over the years with healthcare providers, public safety officials, schools, businesses and others, in the core belief that the well-being of all residents is a shared mission.
GNMH is one of the exceptional non-profit organizations here that “serves close to 5,000 individuals each year who live with severe or persistent mental health and substance use disorders.”
GNMH made its distinctive presence by establishing the nonprofit 105 years ago. The organization, overseen by President and CEO Cynthia Whitaker, is the state-designated community mental health center for all of Southern Hillsborough County. “We serve everyone who walks through our doors, and no one is ever turned away due to financial limitations.”
GNMH never lost its footing even after a gas explosion in February, which triggered a four-alarm fire that destroyed its 440 Amherst St. facility. The organization is slowly rebuilding and greatly appreciates the outpouring of community support and financial donations to ensure uninterrupted mental health services for Greater Nashua.
Those with a mental illness who are also homeless and/or drug-addicted face even larger obstacles, and Susan Mead hopes that city officials will continue to fight for those who have no voice. She reminded the mayor and Board of Aldermen that April 15 isn’t far away. That’s the day the winter warming station inside the former Elm Street Middle School will be shutting its doors for the season.
It’s been a brutally cold, snowy winter for those without a roof over their heads.
“I was at the encampment today with the fire chief and other city workers,” Mead explained. “And 40 people at the Elm Street shelter will soon have nowhere to go. So I ask you to keep them in mind and hope we can come up with some innovative solutions.”
City officials hope to open a homeless drop-in resource center downtown soon to connect individuals with the support and available services they need.