Suicide is a major health problem

Paddlepower is a river adventure. Paddlers in canoe’s and kayaks journey along 36 miles of the beautiful Connecticut River. We supply plenty of rest stops, meals, drinking water, snacks and much fun. You supply your boat, paddles, personal floatation device, tent if you camp, and dedication to this important cause. Our safety staff are ready to assist anyone who needs a hand; if you get too tired, we’re ready to help. See the registration tab for more details.

Though not often discussed, suicide consistently ranks as 8th among the top ten leading causes of death in our country. For young people below age 35, it is the third leading cause of death. In the US, one person dies by suicide every 16 minutes; about 32,000 people die this way each year. According to national statistics, 1500 people attempt suicide every day, including one out of every 13 high school students.

In our region, suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in New Hampshire and Vermont. In the two states, over 200 people died by suicide each year (about 80% of these are men) and 1000 people will attempt suicide in a year.

Your help matters

Proceeds from paddlepower support the emergency crisis intervention services offered to the community by West Central Behavioral health. This service is available to anyone seven days per week, 24 hours per day. Expert mental health counselors are on call to offer treatment, information and support to people in need. Every donation to Paddlepower stays right in our area, the Upper Valley and Sullivan County of New Hampshire.

In our last fiscal year that ended June 30, 2007, our emergency service department received over 4100 emergency calls from people in the Upper Valley and Sullivan county. Not all were about suicide. These calls came from just about 2500 people. Our staff members are trained mental health professionals available seven days per week, 24 hrs per day.

Emergency services cost about $450,000.00 per year to operate. Fees from insurances, clients, fund raising, and other sources only pay for about $200,000.00

Camping details

Overnight tenting sites are offered to participants at the Pastures Campground in Orford NH. Paddlers and volunteers interested in camping must make direct reservations at the campground in advance by calling 603-353-4579 to reserve spot. Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis; space is limited so call early. Paddlers and volunteers must register at the campground office, but are not charged a fee for staying on Saturday night.

Campground rules exist to assure the safety and pleasure of all guests. Participants in Paddlepower must adhere to campground regulations which include:

• Registering at the campground office of all overnight guests
• Strictly adhering to all posted speed limits on campground roads
• Leashing all dogs and pets and cleaning up after them
• Stopping loud noises between 10 pm and 10 am.

All Campground rules and other details can be found at ThePastures.com.