About DHHS

DHHS provides services for individuals, children, families and seniors, and administers programs and services such as mental health, developmental disability, substance misuse, and public health. This is accomplished through partnerships with families, community groups, private providers, other state and local government entities, and many citizens throughout the State who help make New Hampshire a special place in which to live.

Many programs and services are under the auspices of DHHS because the New Hampshire Legislative and Executive branches have recognized over the years that the majority of people who access Department services have multiple needs that require coordinated assistance from more than one program area. The Department is also charged with administering at the State level many federally enacted health and social service programs.

It was more than a century ago when the State first recognized its obligation to support and protect the health and welfare of its citizens. Since then, the New Hampshire Legislature and Governors have been working with the Department in its efforts to improve the effectiveness, coordination and delivery of the many programs and services that help people across the State meet their needs each and every day.