New Futures Honors Advocates, Champions at 26th Annual Awards Celebration

CONCORD, N.H. – On Wednesday, October 11th, New Futures, New Hampshire’s leading health policy and advocacy organization, brought together advocates and champions for its 26th Annual Awards Celebration, which recognized the outstanding work of individuals and organizations to improve the health and wellness of the Granite State in 2023.

Among other award and scholarship winners, New Futures honored N.H. Sen. Jeb Bradley with its President’s Award for his leadership in reauthorizing Medicaid expansion and preserving health care coverage for thousands in need. Senators Becky Whitley and Denise Ricciardi were recognized as New Futures’ Legislators of the Year for their work to support historic investments in child care and maternal supports and services; and Airole Warden, of the North Country (Child Care) Directors Network, received the Jennifer Wierwille Norton Advocacy in Action Award for her work to expand access to child care.

“From a health perspective, 2023 has been one of the most successful years at the Statehouse in recent history, and none of it would have been possible without the leadership and dedication of these fearless champions and leaders,” said Michele D. Merritt, Esq., New Futures’ President.

“From reauthorizing Medicaid Expansion to fully funding the Alcohol Fund and making historic investments in child care, the System of Care for Healthy Aging, and New Hampshire’s health care workforce, it’s clear that lawmakers heard the voices of advocates loud and clear this session, and they responded with the most health-forward budget we have seen in generations. We are so grateful for the leadership and strength of these heroic champions, and we look forward to continuing our work together to improve the health and wellness of New Hampshire.”

In addition to the President’s Award and Legislator of the Year Awards, New Futures’ honored the following individuals and organizations:

• Excellence in Media Award: N.H. Public Radio for its work on The 13th Step Podcast, which detailed alleged incidents of sexual assault and misconduct within one of New Hampshire’s largest substance use treatment organizations
• Health and Wellness Scholarship: Carol Conforti-Adams, of Sunset Hill Education Institute in Henniker, for her efforts to increase Medicaid reimbursements to support health care workforce
• Madeline Demeule Behavioral Health Scholarship: Shawn Cannizzaro, of Hope 2 Freedom Recovery Homes in Claremont, for his advocacy to reauthorize Medicaid expansion

At the ceremony, New Futures also unveiled its new logo and impact video: