Suicides within the NH Bhutanese community

Newsletter of Bhutanese Community of New Hampshire
March 2014
Suicides within the NH Bhutanese community
Suraj Budathoki
Resettled Bhutanese have been committing suicide at
alarming rates, mostly in the United States of America.
The front line leaders of the Bhutanese community
of NH and other concerned individuals are looking
for specific ways and means to prevent this terrible
misfortune.
Since the first case in New Hampshire, BCNH has
been engaging and involving community folks in
different workshops and community activities through
its own resources. There have been limited resources
“BCNH has been unreservedly worried since the
available to expand the program, due, among other
occurrence of the first episode. Since then, we have
reasons, funding limitations and the lack of mental
been organizing similar kind of workshops to make
health expertise within the community.
our people acquainted with the signs and symptoms,
and skills to mitigate the trauma that they have
In July 2013, BCNH brought in representatives
been carrying since their eviction,” Tika Acharya,
from the National Alliance on Mental Illness-NH
The Executive Director of BCNH expressed while
(NAMI), Lutheran Social Services (LSS), and the
inaugurating the workshop. Like wise, one of the
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human
participants, Tika Subedi said, “This is a good starting
Services (DHHS) to discuss this pressing issue and
point, yet there are many challenges ahead to address
also to acquire useful knowledge and methods to
this issue.” Sadly, a few weeks after completion of
address and prevent further suicides.
this workshop, a man from another state committed
suicide. The need of this kind of workshop is deemed
BCNH in collaboration with Healing and Rebuilding
necessary not only to Bhutanese living in NH but also
Our Community (HROC) convened a two day
Bhutanese around the United States
workshop on December 16th and 17th at Saint
Anselm College. This workshop mainly targeted
the frontline Bhutanese and other new American
Dear Readers,
leaders to learn about healing techniques, stress
If you have suggestions or comments that could
management, and personal therapy to stay positive.
help us improve the quality of our services, we
Healing and rebuilding our communities (HROC)
would be more than happy to hear about it.
trauma management experts Shelly Stratton, Amy
Raskusin, Bill Jacobsen, Hanna Simon, and Girard
Chief Editor: Julia Freeman-Woolpert
and Kristen Mandala facilitated this workshop along
Editor: Tilak Niroula
with a team of practitioners. More than 25 Bhutanese
tilakniroula@gmail.com
leaders, representatives from the refugee resettlement
Designed by: Hari Kumar Dahal
organizations from NH, the New Hampshire State
Associate Editor: Ashish Bhattarai
Refugee Coordinator, and other key persons from
New Hampshire attended the event.
Bhutanese Community of NH
510 Chestnut Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
Healthcare Information Session for Bhutanese Community
A New Hampshire Healthy Families representative
presented to a full room of community members on
Wednesday morning at the Bhutanese Community
of NH, Manchester office. Newly partnered with the
BCNH, New Hampshire Healthy Families offered
information about the benefits available to NH
Medicaid clients enrolled in their plan.
NH Healthy Families representative, Maya Glover,
informed members that in addition to the traditional
set of services guaranteed under NH Medicaid,
like coverage for visits to the doctors, NH Healthy
Families members have access to extras. These
extras include programs like the Start Smart for Your
Baby program that are designed to support women
throughout their pregnancy to deliver a healthy baby.
Additionally, NH Healthy Families offers a reward
card that, when a member engages in a healthy
behavior, a dollar amount may be loaded onto a card.
Used similarly to a bank card, the Cent Account
card can be used to purchase health-related items
or even to pay for public transportation or utilities.
For those members who are sick, Disease or Case
Management may be available to help coordinate
what can be an overwhelming set of provider’s
appointments and other issues.
Facilitated by Tika Acharya, Executive Director of
BCNH, the audience was very engaged with learning
more about NH Medicaid and NH Healthy Families.
Chuda Niroula, BCNH’s Health Coordinator and
organizer of the event believes that is exactly the
purpose of such an event. “The members of our
community have a lot of questions and we know
there are benefits that may available to the Bhutanese
community” Said Niroula.
Orientation on suicide prevention concluded
Bal Bikash Bhattarai from Bhutanese
Community of New Hampshire (BCNH)
and Mothikhar Bhujel from Lutheran
Social Service (LSS) facilitated orientation
to 15 elder Bhutanese in Concord about
coping mechanism, Symptoms, causes,
and Prevention of Suicide with in the
community.
“We learn to cope with stress and such
trainings plays very important role to
educate our community folks”, said one of
the participants after orientation.
The orientation was held on December 26
at 90 Airport roads, Concord.
Bhutanese Community of NH
510 Chestnut Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
INTERVIEW
Ganesh Sharma, 19, is a freshmen currently studying Mechanical
Engineering at the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT. Sharma
came to Concord, NH as a refugee and worked hard towards his goals.
His hard work was soon rewarded with a high school diploma and a Gates
Millennium Scholarship, a scholarship provided to Minority students
with financial needs. Sharma was 1 of 1,000 students who received the
scholarship (More than 54000 students all over the USA applied for the
scholarship). Tilak Niroula has talked to this 2013 graduate of Concord
High School regarding his accomplishments.
1. Who are your sources of inspiration?
for college. I expect to see the same program this
There are so many hands that directly and summer for our High School Juniors and I also
indirectly support and encourage. If I should would love to be a part of it.
specify, I have to say family, friends and well
wishers.
5. What is your opinion about the younger
generation or what should they learn from
2. What is your ambition?
you?
Life does not follow every entry written on our Always be hungry for education. It is very
calendar but I would love to dedicate all of my important for youths to be actively engaged in the
knowledge and resources to provide this world community they live in. Find your passion. Keep
with a better and more efficient way of living digging until you get the best out of it. I enjoy
through technology; from an autonomous shower being outside, taking pictures of Mother Nature,
sensor to more complex autonomous driving spending nights in a tent in the woods and beaches
functions for cars in the road.
of Vermont. Do not set a limit on what you should
like or what you enjoy.
3. Why?
Because our systems can be better, and we, now, 6. What are the possible hopes communities
are always better than how we were yesterday.
can expect from you?
Nothing huge, but the community can expect me
4. Do you have any expectation from your
to guide high school students, those who come
community?
for help, through their college processes.
Yes, of course! I hope the entire community of
New Hampshire, with whom I share my happiness, 7. Any message to the community?
will continue to provide College Prep programs Achieving your dreams is important; handling
for first generation college students, so they can success throughout life is even more so. It doesn’t
achieve their potential. I had an amazing time with matter how old you are, you can still go to college
my friends over the summer of 2012, when two and get an education. This message is for those who
of our hardworking community members started are keeping themselves away from getting a college
a program for high school students to prepare us degree because of their household responsibilities.
Bhutanese Community of NH
510 Chestnut Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
4
NEW HAMPSHIRE’S RICH DIVERSITY: View Through a Camera
Becky Field, Photographer
When people look at census numbers, they say that New
Hampshire has very low diversity. But I have a different
view of the Granite State, one full of rich cultural and
ethnic diversity, thanks to the immigrants and refugees
who have resettled in our State.
Since January 2012, I have photographed New
Hampshire’s diversity and shared that view with others.
I have photographed over 1,000 people from more than
45 countries. Many of those people have been from the
Bhutanese community.
I started by visiting English language classes. Soon I
was invited to photograph special family events. The
first people to invite me to their home were a Bhutanese
family celebrating the first time their three-year-old boy
had his hair cut. Since then I have photographed families
celebrating a birth and naming ceremony for a baby,
and birthdays of both young and old. I have been there
when students graduated from high school and went off
to college. I have been served wonderful food, including
momo, roti and Nepali tea. I have shared the universal
grief of losing loved ones, and photographed a funeral and
grieving ceremony. I have documented people at work
and play, and photographed many everyday activities as
well as traditional ceremonies. I have made new friends
Bhutanese Community of NH
and learned so much about the lives and experiences
of New Hampshire residents from Bhutan, Nepal and
many other countries.
The goal of my project is to show that while we may
be different in skin color, nationalities, traditions, or
religions, we all have the same dreams to raise healthy
happy children, work to support our families, learn
new skills, and practice traditions, both old and new.
That is why I named my photography project, “We are
Different – We are One.”
I want my photographs to show this view of rich
cultural diversity to all people in New Hampshire,
while also honoring and celebrating our immigrant and
refugee neighbors. I continue to take photographs, but
also give talks and photo exhibits throughout the State.
Cultural, ethnic and religious diversity makes New
Hampshire a stronger and more interesting place for
all of us.
Anyone interested in learning more about my project
- or any New Americans wanting photographs - can
contact me (603-568-3174; fieldworkphotos@gmail.
com) or visit my website, www.fieldworkphotos.com.
510 Chestnut Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
5
Saraswati Puja Celebration in New Hampshire
By CM Niroula
Goddess Sarraswati is worshiped to get
education in Hindu religion.Besides,
Hindu followers also pray her for arts,
music, literature and so on. According to
Hindu holy book Bhagawat Gita, she is
also worshiped for divine knowledge.
Hindu kingdoms like Nepal and India
have public holidays on this day. Her
followers including students decorate
her temples and pray for whole day, even
some pupil fasts for fulfilling heir desires. This day is observed on MAGHA
SUKLA PANCHAMI (India’s national
civil calendar) of every year.
This year International Nepali Literature Society of
New Hampshire Chapter (INLSNHC) and Bhutanese community of New Hampshire observed this
with great pride and enthusiasm. Nepalese community on 1st February observed on public library at
Hookset NH where as Bhutanese Community observed on 2nd February at saraswati temple in Manchester NH.The program was organized by Manchester Santana Kirtan Maidali, her followers and
well wishers around the state, informed its chairperson Bishnu Maya Koirala.The celebration was
observed with blooms bhajan-kirtan and religious
speeches.
organizing community of the program and wishes
every one with blessing.
A houseful of followers gathered in temple and worshipped, prayed and sang bhajan for whole day. It
is believed that elderly people who were culturally and religiously getting frustrated got relief after
the program as they have seen and known that even
we have right to practice religious activities here in
USA. This time even young generation have shown
interest in participating in religious activities which
proves they are interested in protecting and preserving their culture and tradition.
Pandit Laxmi Niroula and Nanda Nepal were main
priests of the day.
Speaking on the program Pundit Ramadheen Ramsamooj, kamal Basnet, Tika Acharya, Tilak Niroula
and Laxmi Niroula focused on preserving, promoting and protecting culture and tradition in diaspora.
“We need to be serious about our religion and culture otherwise our generation will fail to value it”,
said Koirala.
Pundit Ramadheen Ramsamooj was honored with
khada, Nepali hat and special Nepali cultural clothes
by its organizer for donating the temple to resettled
Bhutanese community in Manchester NH. After the
honoring program pandit Ramadheen thanked for
Bhutanese Community of NH
510 Chestnut Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
6
NH Healthy Families Gives You More!
We are pleased to meet you!
NH Healthy Families is pleased to be partners with the Bhutanese Community of NH organization. As a new health
plan in NH, NH Healthy Families offers healthcare coverage for NH Medicaid clients. Overseen by the Department
of Health and Human Services, NH Healthy Families is one of three health plans offered to NH Medicaid clients for
their health coverage. If you are eligible for NH Medicaid, you can become a NH Healthy Families member. If you
are a member of NH Healthy Families already, we want to take this opportunity to welcome you.
Our programs are designed to support your health and safety.
NH Healthy Families has programs and services that support the health of our members.
It Pays to Stay Healthy – CentAccount
We want our members to know how rewarding it is to take control of their health. CentAccount is a
program that gives members rewards for completing healthy behaviors. Use your rewards to buy health
related items, pay for public transportation, utilities, or child care!
Get Help Starting Smart - with Start Smart for Your Baby®
This program is just for Moms, Moms to be, and babies! Our Start Smart for Your Baby program supports
mothers-to-be with information and live person support to help ensure your healthy pregnancy and baby!
ConnectionsPlus®
Keep in touch! Our members that have high risk conditions may be eligible for a free cell phone. This
limited-use cell phone gives a member 24-hour access to doctors, case managers, telehealth services, and
emergency services.
We are in the community with you to help.
Our MemberConnections® program representatives connect you to social services that you may need as well as
helping you understand your benefits -- right in your own home if necessary. A MemberConnections representative
can talk to you on the phone, send you information, and speak to others on your behalf.. The Representative will be
glad to talk to you about:
• How to choose a doctor (PCP)
• How to change doctors
• The healthcare you get at New Hampshire Healthy Families
• How to use New Hampshire Healthy Families’ services
• How to get medical advice when you cannot see the doctor
• How to connect with community organizations that may be able to help you with housing, food, clothing, or
other social service needs.
• How to get shots and health screenings
One Community One Health
Whether you are a NH Healthy Families member or not, we are an organization that is committed to improving the
health of our community! NH Healthy Families offers a Better-for-Your Coupon Savers Program. This program,
available through our website at www.NHHealthyFamilies.com, not only offers coupons for healthy foods and personal care items, but we also have recipes to support your healthy eating!
Questions? Call Member Services at 1-866-769-3085 – TDD/TYY (hearing impaired) 1-855-742-0123
Your Community Voice is important.
NH Healthy Families is proud to sponsor the printing of this month’s newsletter!
2 Executive Park Drive, Bedford NH 03110
New Hampshire Healthy Families is underwritten by Granite State Health Plan, Inc.
Bhutanese Community of NH 510 Chestnut Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
7
My Experience My Reality
Since childhood, I have always dreamt of myself
working with people to improve their lives. My
mission has become to promote healthy living in
a community setting. Built from a challenging
life history, my positive personality, my hardworking ethics, and the belief I have in myself
will be assets that will make me a good and
caring nurse.
I was raised in a Refugee Camp in Nepal.
The word “Refugee” itself touches my heart,
just thinking about it brings tears in my eyes.
The experience made me stronger. My painful
life in a camp became the challenge for me to
dream of myself as a professional. I learned to
live with no electricity; houses made of bamboo,
mud and thatches. In those days I studied for
my exams, wrote papers, and completed my
assignments with the light of only a candle or a
kerosene lamp. Most of the time we were living
with heavy rains and storms that would frighten
us. At times, Families would cry and pray to
God for their lives. While I have left those days
behind, the memories still trigger my emotions.
The experience, however, has made me stronger
and more committed to my career.
Now I wonder about other refugees living in
foreign countries. What are they experiencing?
Do they have the same problems as I did? Do
they suffer with poor medical facilities, poverty,
and a poor education? I know I won't be able to
Damber Kumari Acharya
help everyone but I do want to work to educate,
heal and help them to live a healthy life.
In my future, I want to provide help to
those who are living in poverty, and those who
are dealing with life challenges like mine. My
college degree in nursing will be the means for
me to make a difference in the world through
leadership in community health. I sincerely
would like to acknowledge the efforts of my
entire family, friends and all my well-wishers
for their encouragement and for their helping
hands.
(Writer is a student at Plymouth state university
base in New Hampshire doing degree in
nursing. She got resettled in New Hampshire
from Beldangi refugee camp in 2009)
Editor’s Note:
Dear all readers and well-wishers, while submitting your articles to Community Voice, please
ensure your name, email and contact number clearly. There is no specific timeline; you can send us
as many articles as possible at any time. Preferably, the article should be of all content submitted
to Community Voice shall be the content originally created/developed by you over which you
will own all the legal rights. You will be solely responsible for the breach of the afore-mentioned
and shall resolve any dispute pertaining to the same at your own end at your own cost, without
involving and/or without any liability on us, whatsoever, at all times.
Bhutanese Community of NH
510 Chestnut Street, Manchester, New Hampshire
8
Obama Care and the Bhutanese Community of NH
Rohit Subedi
The Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare,
was signed into law on March 10, 2010. The ACA
was enacted with the goals of increasing the quality
and affordability of health insurance, lowering the
uninsured rate by expanding public and private
insurance coverage, and reducing the costs of
healthcare for individuals and the government. It is
mandatory that every legal resident of the US should
have health insurance or pay a tax penalty. The goal
is to make everyone in America have health coverage
by 2016.
Bhutanese Community of NH received a grant from
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS) to fund Navigators in Federally-facilitated or
State Partnership Marketplaces. This grant is being
used to help our community understand new coverage
options and find the most affordable coverage for
their health care needs. BCNH has reached out to
almost all families across the state of NH as a part
of its educational activities. Different outreach
strategies are used. People have been contacted via
phone, informative brochures were sent to their home
addresses, and presentations were held at citizenship
classes. Information sessions are held at different
locations in Concord and Manchester. We also have
covered all community events such as Saraswati Puja,
the Christmas day event, and many more.
approves the Medicaid Expansion Program. Only a
few have started paying premiums. They received a
decent amount of premium tax credits. 3% have been
insured from their employer. Children under the age
of 18, full time students, are people over age 65, and
people with disabilities are eligible for Medicaid from
the state. BCNH is also planning to reach high school
students in all the cities. Tentatively, that will be done
by first week of March. We have realized that they
are the educators in their families. If we can provide
information to them, they will share the acquired
knowledge effectively.
The deadline for open enrollment is March 31, 2014.
If you don’t have coverage in 2014, you’ll have to
pay a tax penalty of $95 per adult, $47.50 per child,
or 1% of your income (whichever is higher). The fee
increases every year. Some people may qualify for an
exemption from this fee.
Dear all, if you have and quarry about Affordable
Care Act, feel free to contact at;
Concord Address:
90 Airport Road
Concord NH 03301
Phone: (603) 856-7507
Manchester Address:
It has been estimated that about 46% of people in our 510 Chestnut Street
community are uninsured. Out of 46%, more than half Manchester NH 03101
of the people are eligible to get Medicaid if the state Phone: (603) 935-9620
MESSAGE FROM BOARD
The Bhutanese community of New Hampshire is an indispensable and idolized resource for all the
immigrants’ population in the state of NH. It represents the best in each of us as it works to address the
needs of all the local community members especially the Bhutanese Community. We always thrive to work
with quality and innovation to provide the best services we could, as per our organization’s vision.
I on behalf of The Board of Directors would like to extend my sincere gratitude to those who explore and
extend their helping hands for the sake of our community’s welfare and growth. Besides, I would like to
acknowledge the dedication, commitment sincerity and constant hard work of our team
Bhutanese Community of NH
510 Chestnut Street, Manchester, New Hampshire