Additional Information
House Committee Information
Committee Name: Health, Human Services and Elderly AffairsPosition: Member
Committee Function:It shall be the duty of the Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs to consider all matters concerning the health of the inhabitants of the state; vital statistics; medical and related professions; the administration of welfare activities by the state government; matters relating to the special needs of our elderly citizens and such other matters as may be referred to it.
Personal Biography
12th term in the NH House
Represents Concord, Ward 4
MacKay graduated from Tufts University (BA,MA), Boston University (MSW) and the Union for Experimental Colleges and Universities, OHIO (PhD). Post Doctorate Training - Washington School of Psychiatry (DC).
He served as Director of Research for The Massachusetts Youth Service Board before moving to New Hampshire in 1960 to be Director of Alcoholism for the State of New Hampshire, Department of Public Health. He later served as Director of Community Mental Health Services before initiating a private clinical social work practice. He retired after 38 years. He had been licensed in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.
He was adjunct professor at UNH and UCONN Schools of social work.
Local Government Involvement
MacKay was elected to the Concord City Council and served for twelve years including four as Mayor of Concord. He was Chair of the Public Transportation Committee and was a strong advocate for the successful initiation of the public bus program. He continues to serve after many years as a member of the Concord Airport Advisory Committee. He has served about twenty years in the NH House of Representatives. For most of those years, he has served on the Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs having served in a variety of capacities including Chairman. MacKay was appointed by the Speaker to serve as Chairman of a subcommittee on Mental Health, Addiction and Suicide Prevention.
Miscellaneous Information:
MacKay was one of the first professionals to public research on the seriousness of childhood addictions. He has received many awards and commendations over the years. He served as President of the NH Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and honored twice as social worker of the year. Also, he was recognized by the NH Psychiatric Society and several other health organizations. Most significant was the Knee/Whitman Life Achievement Award of the Foundation of the National Association of Social Workers, DC. This national award that recognizes outstanding contributions to the social work field.
Towns Represented
Concord Ward: 4