Lakes Region Mental Health Center— Through the Years
- 1966 - July 1, doors open at the Winston Building, 49-51 Church St. Robert Page, PhD, Executive Director and Clinical Psychologist
- 1967 - Offices move to Masonic Temple Building on Main St, Laconia. George S. Harris elected Board President. Second staff member hired. 465 people treated.
- 1968 - Board minutes reflect that "the drug abuse problem is serious" in the area. First fund drive held during "May Mental Health Month" and raises $2,691. Branch office opens in Plymouth for one day a week.
- 1969 - There.was a 40% increase in the number of clients over 1968 Due to·growth, the Center begins to suffer "serious financial problems", staff is informed that there "is _only enough money to· last until May."
- 1970 - Dr. Gordon Thomas hired as a full-time psychologist
- 1971 - Moved. to vacated pediatric floor at old hospital. 833 clients served
- 1972 - The NH Division of Mental Health provides a grant for the employment of a full time child psychologist
- 1973 - More than 500 new patients were seen bringing the total number of patients to 3500 increasing the burden to staff
- 1975 - George Harris, Jr. MD and Alida Millham named honorary Board members.
- 1976 - Board minutes reflect space concerns as staff numbers may increase "to 20, 30, 40 or more in a few years."
- 1977 - Lawrence G. Jasper, PhD becomes Executive Director
- 1978 - Implementation of a standardized record keeping procedure for all outpatieqt services begins Dr. Thomas resigns and Medical Director. Dr. Richard Hattan to fill the position
- 1979 - A "Community Evening", open house, was held on March 1 with over 100 legislators, agency heads, physicians, and clergy in attendance
- 1980 - There is an anticipated cut of $93,800.00 identified from Federal, state, and local funding sources, approximately 1/7 of the center's budget
- 1981 - GBH main offices move to 111 Church Street in Laconia
- 1982 - Business Office begins cqmputerization of all records. GBH sponsors first group home consisting of eight beds for patients released from New Hampshire hospital.
- 1983 - Property at 771 North Main Street in Laconia was purchased Serendipity Thrift Store opens
- 1984 - Financial hardship hits GBH and the Center ends FY 1984 with a cash deficit Executive Director Walter B.eck resigns and GBH is without an ED for six months
- 1986 -GBH receives Bronze Award from the United Way
- 1987 - Messer Street group home opened housing seven clients
- 1988 - Project Together launched for children in the . Plymouth area Board member.Doug Riddle receives NH Association of Mental Health Regional Award
- 1989 - Local Community Advisory Council established two supervised apartments established at McGrath Street
- 1989 - Fires at both group homes on New Year’s Eve
- 1990 - James Pisciotta; ACSW, named Executive Director
- 1991 - Outpatient services named GENESIS - The Counseling Group Foundation begins successful $110,ooo capital campaign. Cornerbridge opens providing outreach, hospital visitation and drop-in center. Summer Street group home closes. Cornerstone renovations completed
- 1992 - New office opens in Meredith Dennis Wood, MD receives NAM! Exemplary Psychiatrist Award Case management and MJMS services provided for the first time
- 1993 - Supervised apartment added to McGrath Street Acute/Intensive Partial Hospital program established. Board establishes Speakers Bureau
- 1994 - LRMH Foundation raises $2,700.00 Plymouth office relocates to Tenney Mountain Highway After School Program begins in Belmont, Laconia, & Meredith Summer youth program offered in Laconia. Agency purchases new computer systems for payroll and billing.
- 1995 - Meredith office relocates to Meredith Square
- 1996 - Genesis Behavioral Health celebrates '30 years of service'
- 1997 - Property at 111 Church Street purchased. James Pisciotta resigns as Executive Director; John Acker (Director of Child & Family) appointed.
- 1998 - Child and Family Program experiences a 1000% increase in hours
- 1999 - Genesis selected to serve as a pilot training site for the NH Division of Behavioral Health's adopted Recovery Model
- 2000 - Name changed from "GENESIS -The Counseling G1·oup" to "Genesis Behavioral Health". The TREK program is officially launched
- 2001 - Lakes Region Mental Health Foundation donates a new van for client transportation. Michael Coughlin selected as new Executive Director, began in Feb. 2002.
- 2002 - GBH reaches full psychiatric staffing capacity, including three full time child psychiatrists
- 2003 - Access to Care System launched
- 2004 - Formation of the Helen Holbrook Leadership and Service Award with Helen Holbrook as the first recipient
- 2006 - Begins telemedicine consults at Franklin Regional Hospital
- 2007 - Margaret M. Pritchard named as new Executive Director
- 2011 - LRMHC begins using Essential clinical records.
- 2020 - LRMHC purchases 81 Highland Street property in Plymouth
- 2022 - 81 Highland St. Plymouth location opens in the Spring.