The Chautauqua CARES Program invites the community to participate in its CARES Community Connection events, fostering dialogue and resource sharing to address forensic behavioral health and substance use.

The Chautauqua CARES Program is organizing two pivotal CARES Community Connection events aimed at addressing the critical issues of forensic behavioral health and substance use in Chautauqua County. These events provide a platform for community members to engage with local leaders and agencies, discuss efforts to reduce recidivism rates, and discover available resources.

The first event will be held on June 17th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Prendergast Library, located at 509 Cherry St, Jamestown, NY. The second event will take place on June 20th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at The Chautauqua Center, 75 East 3rd St, Dunkirk, NY.

Keynote speakers at these events include James Quattrone, Chautauqua County Sheriff; Kim Ecklund, Mayor of Jamestown (Jamestown event only); Carmelo Hernandez, Director of Mental Hygiene & Social Services; and Steve Kilburn, Substance Use and Addictions Services Coordinator. At the Dunkirk event, Rebecca Ruiz, Chief Operations Officer of The Chautauqua Center, will also speak.

The CARES Community Connection events are designed to foster a collaborative environment where attendees can connect with local providers and learn about the various support services available. These events underscore the importance of community involvement in tackling behavioral health and substance use issues and highlight ongoing efforts to reduce the jail recidivism rates.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with community leaders and agencies, is committed to addressing these pressing challenges. By attending these events, community members will gain insights into the initiatives being implemented and the resources at their disposal.