Senator Hassan Announces “Granite Stater of the Month” Initiative to Recognize Efforts of New Hampshire Citizens

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Maggie Hassan announced the launch of her “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative to recognize New Hampshire citizens who represent the Granite State’s values and all-hands-on-deck spirit.

This week, Senator Hassan recognized Elizabeth Atwood of Rochester as the inaugural Granite Stater of the Month for September. After undergoing treatment for substance use disorder thanks to her Medicaid coverage, Elizabeth now works at SOS Recovery Community Organization, helping other Granite Staters who are facing the same challenges she did.

“Every day, people across New Hampshire roll up their sleeves, pitch in, and help work to make our communities and our state even stronger,” Senator Hassan said. “I am proud to recognize outstanding Granite Staters like Elizabeth Atwood who exemplify the all-hands-on-deck spirit of our state, and I look forward to continuing to share their stories.”

Click here and see below for a statement that Senator Hassan submitted into the Congressional Record recognizing Elizabeth Atwood:

Mr. President, this month, I have the distinct honor of recognizing Elizabeth Atwood, of Rochester, New Hampshire, as our Granite Stater of the Month for her contributions to her community as a Capacity Building Specialist with SOS Recovery Community Organization, where she helps individuals who are struggling with substance misuse access recovery services and support networks.

As someone who struggled with substance misuse herself, Elizabeth has shown tremendous courage in telling her own story of accessing treatment and recovery services. At New Horizons homeless shelter, Elizabeth received help enrolling in Medicaid, allowing her to undergo treatment for substance use disorder, improve her physical health, and receive counseling. Through her perseverance and determination, Elizabeth regained custody of her son, gained employment, and now receives health insurance coverage through her employer.

Now working at SOS Recovery Community Organization, Elizabeth provides incredible value to her community, working tirelessly to help individuals struggling with substance use disorder. Elizabeth does everything from helping create policy and procedures and offering trainings to community members, to helping find detox beds for people who come into the Rochester facility.

As many Granite Staters like Elizabeth know, the heroin, fentanyl, and opioid crisis is the most pressing public health and safety challenge facing New Hampshire. Now more than ever, New Hampshire needs more people like Elizabeth who are dedicated to helping combat this crisis. I am deeply grateful for the courage she has shown in telling her inspirational story and her drive to help others who face the same challenges she did. Elizabeth represents the best of New Hampshire, and I am honored to recognize her as our Granite Stater of the month.

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