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LATEST NEWS
Advanced Life Support EMS Saved — 101K Residents in 18 Communities Protected!
Executive Councilor Janet Stevens assists Plaistow Fire Chief Chris Knutsen as he cuts the ribbon to officially begin the new Plaistow Regional Intercept paramedic service during a ceremony at the Brentwood fire station.
“ALS A-2 is in service and ready for calls,” Executive Councilor Janet Stevens announced over the radio from the front seat of the Plaistow paramedic intercept vehicle, as a new regional service launched Friday afternoon that will provide critical emergency care to 18 communities in southeastern New Hampshire.
Plaistow Regional Intercept replaced Exeter Hospital’s Advanced Life Support service, which had provided highly skilled paramedics to many towns in the region for 32 years until it ended on Friday.
“I’m honored to stand here today as we begin this new journey, saving lives and continuing a legacy of exceptional pre-hospital emergency care. Through the help of several individuals … collaboration, organization, we’ve achieved a miracle in the last six months,” Plaistow Fire Chief Chris Knutsen, who helped spearhead the effort to establish the new intercept service, told the crowd of about 60 local emergency officials and others who gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Brentwood fire station.
Members of the Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District, which represents 53 communities in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, scrambled to come up with a plan to replace Exeter Hospital’s ALS after the hospital, which became part of Beth Israel Lahey Health last July, announced in September that it would end the service. While many towns and cities in the mutual aid district have their own paramedics and don’t need the intercept service, other communities without paramedics on staff have relied on it for decades.
The hospital originally planned to shut the ALS service down just 10 days after towns were notified, but in the wake of criticism from Executive Councilor Stevens and other state and local officials who argued the hospital was required to give a 90-day notice, the hospital agreed to extend the deadline to March 21.
The hospital also agreed to provide $2 million to cover start-up costs for the first year of the new service.
“Today, we celebrate the fact that, whether it’s a heart attack, trauma, or anaphylactic shock, the elite ALS responders, whom I liken to the Navy SEALs of EMS, will be there when it matters most,” Stevens said.
The communities that will be served are Atkinson, Brentwood, Danville, Deerfield, Epping, Fremont, East Kingston, Hampstead, Kingston, Kensington, Hampton Falls, Newfields, Newmarket, Newton, Nottingham, Raymond, Sandown, and Stratham.
Under the new service, two staffed intercept vehicles with three paramedics will provide 24/7 coverage to the communities that have signed on. One vehicle will be placed at the Brentwood Fire Department with two paramedics while a second will be located at the Plaistow Fire Department where a paramedic will serve as a shift supervisor.
The Plaistow Fire Department will manage the service, but it’s not funding it because the town has its own paramedics. The costs for running the service will be shared by the participating towns with additional funding generated through grants, fees, and donations.
“This is a good thing. It’s something that needed to be maintained,” Brentwood Fire Chief Joe Bird said of continuing the regional paramedic service.
The Brentwood Select Board supported the idea of allowing an intercept vehicle and paramedics to be housed at the Brentwood fire station, which was considered to be a more central location for serving the region.
Kingston Fire Chief Graham Pellerin, whose town counted on the hospital’s ALS system for many years, said he appreciated the service that those paramedics had provided and was pleased that the new Plaistow Regional Intercept service came together so quickly to prevent a gap in critical paramedic coverage.
“Like Chief Knutsen said, we rallied as Seacoast chiefs and made this happen. A big thanks to him,” Pellerin said.
Members of Boston MedFlight, who work with local first responders when they’re asked to respond to a critical incident with a medical helicopter, were also on hand to show their support for the new regional intercept program.
“It’s all about collaboration. What we do is collaborate with hundreds of communities in eastern Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, Rhode Island, to give patients the best possible resource available. We just compliment everything they do, which is why we’re here,” Charlie Blathras, director of business development at Boston MedFlight.
“…Stevens in October pressed forward at the eleventh hour to secure additional federal funding to save a local flood mitigation project in Hampton. Last year a coastal storm flooded the Portsmouth and New Castle causeway and triggered Stevens to see that resilience improvements to the causeway were included in the states 10 Year Transportation Plan “to avoid impacts to the Causeway due to sea level and storm surges.”
“My child care providers have been intimidated, they’ve been bullied. I hope we look into this…”
-Councilor Janet Stevens
While Exeter Hospital Terminated Care Providers, It Paid $9M To Its Top Executives, Councilor Says
“At the same time that Beth Israel/Lahey Hospital is closing its doors on some care it provides the Seacoast region at Exeter Hospital, it is paying its top eight executives $9 million in salaries, said Executive Councilor Janet Stevens.
Fuel Assistance Info
Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties (CAPHR)
(formerly Southern NH Services)
https://www.snhs.org
Link: Fuel Assistance Program Details
CAPHR/Southern New Hampshire Services is the Community Action Program for District Three/Rockingham County. District Three constituents can apply online or visit one of the five SNHS offices for electric assistance, fuel assistance, or weatherization assistance.
Rockingham County Locations:
- Derry: (603) 965-3029: (Derry toll-free: 1-855-295-4105)
- Salem: (603) 893-9172 (Salem toll-free: 1-800-939-9172)
- Portsmouth: (603) 436-3896 (Portsmouth toll-free: 1-800-639-3896)
- Seabrook: (603) 474-3507 (Seabrook toll-free: 1-800-979-3507
- Raymond: (603) 895-2303 (Raymond toll-free: 1-800-974-2303)
Current Income Eligibility as of October 2024:
Stevens’ Endorsements
NEWS
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the voters of District Three for turning out in record numbers and re-electing me to serve as your Executive Councilor in Concord. Representing the 266,000 residents across the 32 towns and cities in our district is both an honor and a privilege. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I remain committed to fighting for the needs and concerns of every constituent.
The oath I took reminds me daily of my responsibilities: "I do solemnly and sincerely swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties incumbent on me as Executive Councilor, according to the best of my abilities, agreeably to the rules and regulations of this constitution and laws of the state of New Hampshire." These words guide my dedication to serving you with integrity and diligence.
I also want to acknowledge the dedication of our election officials and poll volunteers. Your hard work ensured a smooth and transparent election process. To the voters of New Hampshire, congratulations on setting a new state turnout record in Tuesday’s election. According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State, 834,651 ballots were cast—an impressive 2.5% increase over the previous record of 814,500 votes set in the 2020 general election.
Thank you for your trust and your voice. Together, we will continue to move District Three and our state forward.
Sincerely,
Honorable Janet Stevens, Executive Councilor State of New Hampshire - District Three
I’ve also released a full newsletter and corresponding press release dedicated to the Exeter Hospital situation along with links to news articles in WMUR, Union Leader, InDepthNH and more.
Stevens’ Speaks Traffic at Brentwood Select Board DOT Presentation
Stevens’ Speaks of Efforts to Stop Elder Abuse in New Hampshire
OTHER RECENT NEWS
Sale of NH’s Allan State Forest Questioned by Councilor Stevens.
“Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, R-Rye, charged the process was too secretive and said it failed to consider the views of others in the conservation field.” – NH Union Leader
More on Allan State Forest Sale – Concord Monitor
Citing transparency with the process, Executive Councilor Janet Stevens objected and was one of two votes on the five-member council against the sale.
“I’m not seeing a checklist for the hierarchy or proceeding on how you would contact potential buyers,” Stevens said. “It’s very nebulous.”
“…the sale failed on two fronts – preserving land and the fiduciary responsibility of the state.”
Thanks to Councilor Janet Stevens for Supporting the Local Fishing Industry
Portsmouth Herald, May 16, 2024
Derry Gets $1.8Mil for Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvements
Stevens: “Funding will allow the association to interconnect with the town of Derry water system.”
Stevens’ Supports Plaistow Grant Acquisition for $1MM Fire Truck
“A huge thank you to Executive Councilor Janet L. Stevens for supporting and approving our grant funding request for this project. At almost $1-million dollars, this opportunity will save our taxpayers a tremendous amount of money along with equiping our department with the dependable resources needed to save lives and property. This project will also improve the vehicle emissions which will have a positive impact on the overall health of our staff and the environment.”
Stevens’ Fiduciary Oversight – Unprecedented.
“Councilor – your husband represented the felon when he attempted to modify his parole status! You need to recuse yourself.”
Stevens not only flagged a gratis land easement to a convicted drug kingpin – she reminded an Executive Councilor who attempted to support the transfer – that she needed to recuse herself. “Councilor – your husband represented the felon when he attempted to modify his parole status! You need to recuse yourself.
Stevens: Seabrook Power Plant Siren Malfunction “was truly a security risk in the fear that it created.”
Human Error led to triggering of Seabrook Power Station False Alarm
“Within the span of roughly more than an hour, there was a lot of chaos, confusion and fear along the Seacoast,” said Stevens.
Councilor Stevens Visits Hampstead Hospital Following Reports of Multiple Assaults on Staff
Concord Monitor: State Steps in After Problems with Mail Prescriptions for Retirees
WMUR: New Hampshire Councilors Sound Alarm Over Prescription Drug Delays for State Retirees
Executive Councilor Stevens is outraged at problems with Anthem’s processing of prescription drug orders for state retirees.
Executive Councilor Fighting for 11,000 NH State Retirees Denied Timely Access to Prescriptions by Mail Order Prescription Vendor
Councilor Stevens was the sole Executive Councilor in July 2023 to speak in opposition to $68 million Medicare Advantage contract.
Executive Councilor Demands Accountability in Blood Lead Screenings for NH Children
Stevens takes the lead on Executive Council supporting $500,000 to study incidence of kidney cancer in Merrimack – 42% higher than expected. Asks for future bio monitoring of impacted residents.
Executive Councilor Stevens Calls for Enhanced Security at NH Hospital, Salary/Wage Adjustments for Providers – and Delivers.
Executive Councilor Stevens ask Congressional Delegation for Help with Stalled Bridge Projects
Sununu and Stevens are asking the congressional delegation to look for ways to make the permitting process smoother.
Gov. Sununu and Executive Councilor Stevens Press Reps for Action on Seacoast Bridge Delays
Sununu and Stevens in a letter to the all-Democratic congressional delegation:
“It is incumbent on our federal partners to be timely and efficient in helping to deliver these needed infrastructure projects and to fulfill on the promises of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).”
Executive Councilor Talks Housing on WFEA
In this broadcast, Janet addresses the housing shortage in NH citing a critical supply shortage that is slowing down apartment construction in New Hampshire. Click below to listen!
Executive Councilor Stevens Seeks Accountability From Anthem.
(Press Release)
Executive Councilor Stevens Speaks to Workforce Housing (Press Release)
Executive Councilor Stevens Talks Workforce Housing in Carriage Town News
“Builders are facing critical challenges with multi-unit workforce housing projects, particularly those backed by substantial funds like the $100 million dollar Invest NH Housing program. These projects, financed by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act or Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the NH Housing Finance Authority, have come to a halt due to incomplete electrical switch gear orders. Consequently, this has significantly increased the financial risks for builders.”
Executive Janet Stevens Speaks About NH Mental Health Successes on WFEA Morning Update
Executive Councilor Janet Stevens talks about a 15 million dollar grant the Executive Council recently approved which will be used to help address the state’s on-going mental health crisis. Click on the image below to listen!
Executive Councilor Janet Stevens Advocates For New Castle 1B Causeway
Councilor Stevens: “…Causeway closures could potentially reduce or server access to emergency services and compromise the safety of New Castle residents – this is an infrastructure priority.“
Executive Councilor Stevens Takes the Lead on Enforcement & Infrastructure Improvements on Rt 125
Police increase patrols along Route 125 corridor to try to reduce crashes. Thousands of crashes reported on 50-mile stretch over the past decade.
Councilor Stevens: “It’s alarming, sixteen hundred of those (crashes) were within a recent two-year span….A Road Safety Audit is first step for Infrastructure Improvements – prioritized for Route 125”
Free Radon Air Test Kits Available to New Hampshire Residents
Councilor Stevens: “You may not know that you are living in an area of high probability for elevated uranium or radon in your well water.”
New Hampshire Seniors Seeking Homeless Shelters on the Rise
Homelessness advocates say price hikes forcing seniors living on fixed income out of their homes
Stevens Pushes for Increased Mental Health Services in NH
“During the March 22, 2023, Executive Council meeting, Executive Councilor Janet Stevens proposed a motion to award a $15 million grant from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support the construction of a new 120-bed inpatient facility in New Hampshire.”
Annual Report Now Available!
This Annual Report from Janet Stevens outlines the accomplishments and activities of the Executive Council, in particular those items that fund District 3. Please click below for the PDF report complied from our office, or keep reading to see the online version.
New Workforce Housing Project in Salem
“Rockingham County is ground zero for our state’s housing crisis. We know our vacancy rate is at .6%, so having 74 more units of housing is critical.”
Janet Stevens: Isolation and loneliness are fertile ground for elder abuse
Recent News (PDF)
Details on the InvestNH program – $100MM investment in affordable housing.
See the details in this PDF document available for download.
Recent News (Audio)
Executive Councilor Stevens was the only Councilor to consistently support $100 million for workforce housing.
Listen to Councilor Stevens’ Testimony at May 5, 2022 Executive Council Meeting
Construction costs for 2020-2021 increased by 17.5% which is the largest price spike in 50 years. Market fluctuations for labor and material costs have driven up real estate costs significant. The volatility in building costs is anticipated to continue throughout 2022. We need to get workforce housing across the finish line!
Councilor Stevens' Testimony
Recent News:
Janet Speaks on NH Today about Governor Sununu’s Housing Plan.
Click Here to Listen!
Appreciation for District Three Constituent Services
Executive Councilor Stevens is a fierce advocate for Long Term Care Facilities. She secured strike team services and $80,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding
“We appreciate your taking the time to visit our Facility and to truly understand the challenges we face in day-to-day operations managing Covid-19. The information you’ve provided about resources available from the State has been most helpful. From our meeting, I believe you understand that we have a long road to recovery and that continued financial support will be essential. We look forward to a public-private sector partnership that will be essential in addressing the statewide workforce crisis.”
Executive Councilor Stevens receives kudos from a constituent.
“I wanted to express my gratitude for your assistance in helping me with my application progress for The Emergency Rental Assistance Program. I appreciate your kindness and taking the time to intervene on my behalf by contacting ERAP, in which I quickly received notification from a case manager that my application has been approved and that my landlord would be receiving payment.
Thank you so much for going above and beyond, the people here in New Hampshire are truly lucky to have you represent us. I appreciate all the work that you are doing to make New Hampshire a great State to live in.”
Executive Councilor Stevens assists a Salem housing community.
“I am writing for the board of Friendship Drive Cooperative, a resident-owned manufactured housing park in Salem. Last month we were told by a city inspector that an on-going electrical issue might lead the town to send the residents of the park notices saying all (44) households would be having their electricity shut down, which would mean they would have to leave their homes and not be able to move back in until the concerns were resolved. This was particularly scary because the supply-chain issues holding up the project are still a factor.
Knowing that this would have disastrous long-term consequences for the people who live here, we called a number of officials and people connected with the project for help. You were one of the first to respond to us and made a number of calls on our behalf. For this we are very grateful.
As it turned out, the city was already aware of the project and agreed that we could stay in our homes throughout the unavoidable delays. The key players from the town, our funders, and the ROC-NH team that provides technical assistance to the cooperative are now working closely with us to bring the project to a swifter close.
Thank you again for your assistance in this crisis.”
Successfully secured funding for Afghan allies settling in New Hampshire
“Councilor Janet Stevens led the effort to secure state funding to support newly arrived Afghans now settling in New Hampshire. The men, women, and families who are arriving were evacuated by U.S. forces in August of 2021, and the state’s two resettlement providers, Ascentria Care Alliance and the International Institute of New England (IINE) are receiving and placing Afghans in homes and apartments in local communities. Councilor Stevens led a bipartisan effort to secure state funding to support housing coordinators in each agency who will find housing for Afghan arrivals and staff in the agencies to complete rental assistance applications for these new arrivals. The funding also supports translation services.
We cannot thank Councilor Stevens enough for her leadership. She researched what we needed, got unanimous and bipartisan support on the Executive Council, and even took the time to meet one of our Afghan clients. She kindly offered to help him as he and others from Afghanistan begin new lives in New Hampshire. Councilor Stevens is very appreciative for what the Afghans did to support our troops, and she sets an example of leadership on this issue for other elected officials in the state.”