Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Change Direction New Hampshire, a first-of-its-kind statewide campaign to raise awareness of the five signs of mental illness and emotional suffering. Since its first launch last May, Change Direction has touched the lives of thousands of Granite Staters, helping to change the culture and erase the stigma surrounding mental illness in New Hampshire and across the country. Campaign co-chairs, my dear friends, the Honorable John Broderick, Peter Evers, and Dr. Bill Gunn, have dedicated countless hours to help spread this campaign through schools, workplaces, and institutions throughout the Granite State. They have met with thousands of stakeholders and community members, holding more than 100 public presentations. They have distributed nearly 320,000 informational posters and cards, and they have placed a billboard on one of our busiest highways. The goal of Change Direction is to make the five signs of mental illness--personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care, and hopelessness--as well-known indicators as the indicators of a heart attack. This increased recognition will help improve treatment of mental illness, address substance misuse, and help prevent suicide among our friends and neighbors. But the impact of this campaign goes far beyond the five signs. Please join me in recognizing John, Peter, Bill, and all of those who support the Change Direction campaign. ____________________”