Capital Area Public Health Network – Concord, NH

Capital Area Public Health Network (CAPHN)

The Capital Area Public Health Network (CAPHN) is a regional public health initiative designed to promote and protect the well-being of communities in the Greater Concord area. Established as one of 13 Regional Public Health Networks in New Hampshire, it operates under a contract with the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The network is currently hosted by Granite United Way, serving as its fiscal agent and operational base at their Airport Road facility.

Regional Public Health Services

CAPHN serves a consortium of 24 municipalities, providing a coordinated infrastructure for essential public health services that individual towns might not be able to sustain alone. The network focuses on community-wide health improvements rather than clinical care. 🩺 Core Initiatives: The organization spearheads efforts in Substance Misuse Prevention, coordinating the ”Continuum of Care” to reduce drug and alcohol abuse among youth and young adults. It also leads the regional Suicide Prevention strategy in partnership with NAMI NH.

Emergency Preparedness

A critical function of the network is Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP). CAPHN works with local emergency management directors to prepare for disasters, disease outbreaks, and mass casualty events. They manage the Capital Area Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a unit of volunteers ready to assist during public health emergencies, such as dispensing medication or staffing shelters.

• Flu Clinics: Coordination of school-based influenza vaccination programs.
• Community Health Workers: Staff dedicated to connecting residents with social services and healthcare resources.
• Health Promotion: Dissemination of public health alerts and educational materials.