Community Based Military Programs
By providing awareness, resources, and technical support services, the NH Division of Community Based Military Programs works to create an environment of cooperation & collaboration among community service providers, New Hampshire schools, civilian and military groups in order to ensure Service Members, Veterans and their families have quality services & supports necessary to be strong, resilient and successful.
The mission of the Division of Community Based Military Programs is to collaborate, coordinate, and communicate with military and civilian provider groups to promote the delivery of quality health care services to New Hampshire Veterans, Service Members, and their families.
History
The Division of Community Based Military programs was created in 2008 as a Bureau at the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Nationally, it was the first of its kind operating in a state Health and Human Services department with the purpose of helping to facilitate military and civilian partnerships.
In 2019, the Bureau of Community Based Military Programs moved to the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and became the Division of Community Based Military Programs (CBMP).
Today
Approximately 90,997 Veterans live in New Hampshire and the number is steadily declining each year. World War II to all current conflicts and over 72% are 55 years of age or older, compared with 15% of the civilian population. The second largest group of Veterans is from the Gulf Wars, with over 7,000 coming from post-9/11 service. Only approximately 30,000 of these NH Veterans utilize a VA Medical Center, which is a prime example of why the civilian sector needs to be engaged in service to our Veterans.
New Hampshire has been recognized nationally for strong military and civilian partnerships throughout the State. The Division of Community Based Military Programs is actively engaged in encouraging civilian health care providers to learn more about military culture in order to better serve the veteran population and strives to provide the resources necessary for community providers to effectively meet the unique needs of NH Veterans, Service Members and their families.
Division of Community Based Military Programs Team
U.S. Army Colonel (RET) Brenton Fraser, Director
Erica Webb, Military Skills & Test Waiver Program Specialist
Heather Smith, Grants Program & Resource Development Coordinator
Kimberly (Kim) Hillson, Program Assistant
Benjamin Whelihan, NH State Approving Agency
Connor Spern, Veterans Housing & Wellness Program Specialist
Questions about the Division or community-based resources? Contact Kim Hillson, Program Assistant and she will connect you with the appropriate person or resource to address your needs. (603) 225-1286 Kimberly.J.Hillson@DMAVS.nh.gov
