(WNY News Now) – Jamestown, N.Y. – More than 100 people enjoyed the meal prepared and served by members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at the December recovery luncheon of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA).
Guests were welcomed by Executive Director Steven Cobb, who recognized staffer Rose Crocker for becoming MHA’s new ODMAP (Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program) coordinator.
Through the auspices of the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging, staff from Rite Aid pharmacy administered COVID-19, flu and pneumonia vaccines. Gift bags were given to all who received vaccinations.
The highlight of the event was a visit from Santa Claus (aka Adam Owens), who had presents for men, women and kids. Gifts that weren’t given away were donated to Bonnie Weber of Be The Change You Want to See in Jamestown for the Little Red Wagon.
The Mental Health Association is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery, or support those on a recovery path. Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way.
The MHA commits to radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy for community members who struggle with mental health and substance use.
All MHA programs and services are free, including xylazine wound care kits and fentanyl test kits that include Narcan, an over-the-counter opioid overdose treatment that has saved hundreds of lives in Chautauqua County.
Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member suffering from a mental health or substance use disorder is welcome to call or stop in at the Jamestown recovery center at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street. It is open Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:30–11:00 a.m. for the 12-step AA Living Sober Group, an open discussion meeting that welcomes the discussion of alcohol and all mind-altering substances.
Hours for the north county recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle Street in Dunkirk, are 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call (716) 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of MHA’s dozens of groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups.
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