Manchester, NH - American Medical Response (AMR) reported yesterday that the City of Manchester just experienced its first month on record with no suspected overdose fatalities since 2015. This milestone has been the result of dedicated City and community leadership to evidence-based interventions, coordinated rapid response, and ongoing partnership and collaboration.
“For more than a decade and a half, the opioid crisis has claimed hundreds of lives throughout NH and devastated countless families. Going an entire month in Manchester without a suspected opioid-overdose death—for the first time in 140 months—is an extraordinary milestone” said Chris Stawasz, AMR Regional Director, “It reflects the dedicated work of AMR medics, Manchester Fire and Police, public health officials, treatment and recovery providers, and scores of community partners. We should celebrate this progress while continuing the work needed to make opioid overdose-fatality free months the expectation, not the exception.”
“This milestone represents something incredibly meaningful: lives saved,” said Mayor Jay Ruais. “Manchester has worked relentlessly to confront the opioid crisis in a comprehensive way, and for the first time since this crisis began, we have gone an entire month without losing a life to a suspected overdose. That is a moment worth recognizing, while understanding that even one life lost is one too many. We will build on this progress and remain focused on making Manchester a healthier and safer community. I want to thank our Health Department, first responders, and all our community partners whose work is making a real difference every day.”
“This is an incredible milestone and a testament to the hard work of our first responders, law enforcement, treatment and recovery providers, and everyone on the front lines of this fight,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “We know there is more work ahead, but this progress shows that our coordinated approach is saving lives. We will keep working together to get deadly drugs off our streets, strengthen prevention, and make sure Granite Staters in recovery get the support they need.”
Health officials warn that while this is a moment of achievement, the opioid crisis is still posing a public health threat to its constituents and that continued vigilance and support for those in recovery remains essential. Anyone can seek substance use disorder treatment by accessing the NH Doorway program 24/7 by calling 2 1 1 at any time of the day or night, or visit
www.thedoorway.nh.gov. If you believe someone is overdosing, call 9 1 1 immediately.
Per RSA 658:31; the Office of the City Clerk of Manchester hereby gives public notice to the voters of Manchester that the official ballots to be used in the September 8, 2026 State Primary Election will be counted at the Office of the City Clerk starting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. until completion.
Pursuant to RSA 659:49 I & II the Moderators in Wards 1 – 12 may begin processing the absentee ballots for the State Primary Election at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Pursuant to RSA 656:42 VIII the Office of the City Clerk of Manchester will begin testing ballots for the September 8, 2026 State Primary Election on Monday, August 31, 2026 starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers, 3rd floor of City Hall. The public is welcome to view the process.
Manchester, NH - Today, Mayor Jay Ruais announced the formation and membership of the Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC) Property Task Force, a community group established by the Mayor’s Office to ensure meaningful City input into the future disposition of the property.
The Task Force will focus on issues including transportation and traffic impacts, land use compatibility, neighborhood character, infrastructure, economic development opportunities, historic preservation, and the City's long-term planning objectives.
As the State of New Hampshire prepares to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the property's sale and redevelopment, the Task Force will work closely with residents, neighborhood stakeholders, City leadership, and State officials to identify community priorities and provide recommendations that help inform the RFP process.
Although this property is owned by the State and the City does not have authority over its sale or disposition, this process provides an opportunity for the community to share valuable input and feedback. The Task Force will hold public Community Forums to solicit community input on their expectations for this property. Additionally, the Task Force will incorporate feedback collected during the 2025 Zoning Rewrite Town Halls. This information will be compiled into a formal report, and released to the public, outlining community perspectives on the future of the property.
The Task Force will remain active until the property's disposition is complete, serving as a community group to help ensure Manchester's interests are represented throughout the planning, proposal, and redevelopment process.
Mayor Ruais Released the Following Statement:
“Since the State began the process of selling the SYSC property, I made a commitment to ensure the City of Manchester would have a seat at the table as decisions are made. The creation of this Task Force delivers on that promise. It ensures that as the State moves forward with the eventual sale of this property, Manchester’s voice will be heard and our residents’ interests will be represented every step of the way.”
By establishing the Task Force at this stage, the City is taking a proactive approach to ensure its economic priorities, housing needs, and long-term development goals are clearly articulated and considered well in advance of any final decision regarding the property.