You Are Not Alone: Hannaford, NAMI Partner Up On Mental Health

Hannaford Supermarkets and the National Alliance on Mental Illness in New Hampshire announced Monday that they are working together to meet the increased need for mental health resources as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

A recent report from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that during the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the country have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder.

Between January and June of 2019, prior to the pandemic, one in 10 adults disclosed that they had these symptoms, according to the report.

A KFF Health Tracking Poll from July of 2020 also shows that many adults reported difficulty sleeping or eating, increases in alcohol consumption or substance use and worsening chronic conditions. It is believed these issues are due to worry and stress over COVID-19.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and NAMI will continue to amplify the message "You Are Not Alone" as a way to focus on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health and acknowledging that it's okay to not be okay, according to the organization's website.

On Tuesday, leaders from Hannaford and NAMI will be holding a press conference at the Bedford supermarket to announce a donation designed to meet increased need for mental health resources. John Fifield, director of operations at Hannaford, and Ken Norton, executive director of NAMI NH, are expected to be there.

Ericka Dodge, external communications manager at Hannaford, could not disclose the total amount of money they are contributing to the cause in New Hampshire prior to the press conference, but she was able to say that it is a "six-figure amount."

Dodge said they will also be making a contribution in Maine.

Hannaford is based in Scarborough, Maine, and operated 183 stores in the Northeast.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @KimberleyHaas.