Champions: Anniversary Celebration

On October 6, Riverbend Community Mental Health welcomed a wonderful group of community leaders, current and former Board members, sponsors, and guests for the 20th Annual Champions for Mental Health Awards celebration. This year, we were proud to honor Dr. Jeffrey Fetter Chief Medical Officer at New Hampshire Hospital and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, in recognition of his clinical expertise, leadership, advocacy, and compassion in strengthening New Hampshire’s behavioral health system.

“Dr. Fetter is the trusted counselor, the voice of clarity, the steady colleague you can depend on,” said Lisa K. Madden, Riverbend’s president & CEO. “It was our honor to recognize him at this year’s ceremony for his decades of work helping people living with mental illness recover and live fulfilling lives in the community.”

Marking two decades of Riverbend’s signature community event, this year’s program reflected on both progress made in behavioral health care and the challenges that remain. As part of an anniversary reflections segment, four Riverbend staff members, each with more than 20 years of service, shared personal perspectives on the changes they have witnessed, the hurdles that persist, and the importance of continuing to advance care and support for individuals and families in our communities.

Remarks from both Lisa K. Madden and Board Chair Mark Broth highlighted the positive investments being made in New Hampshire’s behavioral health care system and the continued importance of collaboration and community support.

From New Hampshire’s federal delegation, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander sent congratulatory letters to Riverbend and Dr. Fetter, while Congressman Chris Pappas shared a video message of support.

A video compilation looking back at 20 years of Champions awards reflected how meaningful progress occurs when dedicated professionals, community partners, and advocates come together around a shared commitment. Riverbend was honored to recognize Dr. Fetter and acknowledge past champions and other community members for their resolve in strengthening behavioral health care in our communities.

Riverbend is grateeful to the more than 30 local businesses, corporations, nonprofits and individuals who supported our 20th anniversary Champions for Mental Health event. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Northeast Delta Dental were both welcomed as returning Host Sponsors, and Binnie Media introduced as our new Media Sponsor.