Gray Summers, executive director of the Addiction Recovery Coalition of New Hampshire, introduced the board to ARCNH’s peer recovery services and family supports at the July 14 meeting and asked officials and residents to publicize the organization’s services in Milford.

Summers said ARCNH operates a community recovery center on Elm Street and provides recovery coaching, family support and veterans-specific services at no cost. “All of our services are no cost, so anyone can come in, get our services for free,” Summers said. He told the board ARCNH was founded in 2020 and has treated about 200 people in the center, with more than 7,000 “recovery encounters” across events and outreach last year.

Summers described varied approaches to recovery and said his organization uses recovery coaches with lived experience to help participants craft long-term plans. He estimated the center’s annual budget at about $500,000, funded by federal and state grants plus individual and business donations.

Selectmen asked about VA coordination; Summers said ARCNH does not contract with the VA and that VA programs provide outpatient services and clinicians who may prescribe medication-assisted treatments, while ARCNH focuses on peer support and wraparound services.

Summers invited town officials to visit ARCNH at 180 Elm Street, described upcoming fundraising events including a golf tournament Aug. 25 and a motorcycle ride July 27, and asked the board to help spread awareness.

No action was requested or taken; officials thanked Summers and noted staff would share the organization’s contact details and event dates.