Senator Watters
Why are you nominating this individual?
"As you can see from his biography, Senator Watters has been tireless in striving to insure that addiction services continue to expand and serve those in our state. He continues his efforts to ensure that all necessary efforts are made (and funded) to continue our battle with addictions."
Biography:
Senator Watters is deeply committed to the work of recovery. As the Senate member of the Governor's Commission on Addiction, Treatment and Prevention, and in consultation with recovery organizations, state agencies, and healthcare providers, he has tirelessly worked to fund and expand treatment and recovery programs.
Senator Watters was the first Senator to endorse New Futures NH's 5-point plan to treat the opioid epidemic. He has been a strong advocate for age-appropriate drug and alcohol education in K-12 schools, and strongly supported Medicaid Expansion, which helped 7,500 Granite Staters access substance use disorder treatments.
An advocate for expanded treatment and prevention programs for drug and alcohol misuse disorders, especially among youth, Senator Watters’ bill revised the mission of the Governor’s Commission and supported funding for its strategic plan.
Senator Watters is the legislative leader for harm reduction programs, including needle exchanges to reduce HIV and Hepatitis C exposure and reduce overdose risk. His bill established a committee to study harm reduction, and he will introduced legislation to promote and expand harm reduction programs with sustainable funding, including the Doorways, medically-assisted treatment, and wrap-around services.
Senator Watters’s legislation established the New Hampshire Recovery Monument Commission which will create a monument, with privately raised funds, to celebrate individuals in recovery and recognize those who have been lost to substance misuse and their families. It will help those in recovery as well as those mourning losses, while reducing stigma and recognizing our common humanity.