Evergreen Health Presents At Mental Health Association Luncheon
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The monthly Recovery Luncheons at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County are an opportunity both to recognize progress for participants and to share news.
The Mental Health Association is a peer-run organization offering support services to people with substance abuse and all other forms of mental health diagnosis.
At the July luncheon, Steven Cobb, associate director, announced the names of those who received awards for their recent recovery achievements. Fifteen people completed and graduated from treatment court. Twenty-three people were recognized for recovery milestones including employment, phase advancement on treatment court and enrollment in college.
Cobb also announced the 7 p.m. Monday Night Open Mic at the Mental Health Association noting it is "a supportive environment for your artistic endeavors." The first Monday of the month is sing-along, second is family comedy, third: open poetry, fourth: live music, and fifth: Wildcard Monday.
Kia Briggs, executive director, acknowledged the United Christian Advocacy Network for their work in reopening the City Mission on First Street as a crisis center and shelter for men. UCAN also prepares and presents the meals at all Recovery Luncheons.
Charlie Hodges of UCAN introduced the Bemus Point United Methodist Church's E Team that made a presentation. E Team members include Chase Boardman, Cassidy Richardson, Holly Bless, Madigan Bless, Keirsten Maidel, Kim Malarkey, Sue Verbosky, Tom Holland and Rebecca Ottaway.
Ian Eastman, Mental Health Association board member and Syringe Exchange program coordinator for Evergreen Health, said according to the Centers for Disease Control, one in seven people infected with HIV are unaware of it. Evergreen can help people prevent and treat HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Without treatment, HIV can make a person very sick and cause death. Learning the basics about HIV can keep one healthy and prevent transmission. HIV can be transmitted by sexual contact, sharing needles, and mother-to-baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. HIV is not transmitted by casual contact such as air or water, saliva, sweat, tears, insects, or toilet seats. Evergreen Health provides free and confidential HIV rapid tests at its location at the Mental Health Association in the Gateway Center. People should get tested at least once, more if they are at risk. For more information, call 541-0678 or stop in weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Mental Health Association is staffed by certified peer specialists that provide recovery coaching. They work in collaboration with local treatment providers, other non-profits, and treatment courts to help participants succeed in attaining their goals. More than two dozen peer support groups meet weekly at the MHA, where participants can talk with others across a wide range of concerns, from PTSD to parenting. All services and programs are offered free of charge. The MHA's recent Spring 2017 Newsletter can be accessed online at mhachautauqua.org. The Mental Health Association is located in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water St., Door 14, Jamestown. For more information, call 661-9044 or visit mhachautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.