Special Volunteer Recognized At Mental Health Association Luncheon

Participants at the recent Recovery Luncheon at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County applauded those who achieved recovery milestones.

Steven Cobb, Mental Health Association associate director, had certificates for 14 people for advancing phases in treatment court, four for graduating/completing treatment court, and four for gaining employment.

Cobb reminded participants that the Knitting for Wellbeing class at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays requires no experience or supplies and is open to both men and women. Other announcements were for a resume workshop and CASAC's parenting classes.

Kia Briggs, Mental Health Association executive director, recognized volunteer Amy Lynch for her significant assistance to the association and to those in recovery. Lynch started volunteering in 2011 by offering help whenever she saw a fellow peer in need. Recently she has facilitated the group "Out of Control" every Friday at noon. The curriculum for the group is based on cognitive behavioral therapy and looks at examples of daily situations for participants in recovery from both mental health and substance use problems.

Ian Eastman, who coordinates The Exchange for Evergreen Health, spoke to the group about how harm reduction strategies are making progress towards reducing HIV and Hepatitis C. New HIV infections across the state dropped by 9 percent, significantly better than the national average. Evergreen Health provides free and confidential HIV rapid testing, with results provided in about 20 minutes.

Eastman thanked Mental Health Association participants for participating in a Hepatitis C summit held last year in Jamestown. Their feedback was added to others around the state, resulting in Gov. Andrew Cuomo making New York the first state in the country to commit to ending Hepatitis C.

Evergreen Health also provides Hepatitis C testing. Evergreen Health in Jamestown now offers a treatment that fights the virus that causes Hepatitis C. For most patients, Hepatitis C can be cured in several months with few side effects. For more information call 541-0678 or come to the Evergreen Exchange at the Mental Health Association.

A luncheon was prepared by Jan Ball and ladies from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Falconer. She was assisted in serving the meal by fellow parishioners Gloria Anderson and Terese Whitford.

The association is located at 31 Water St., Door 14, in the rear of Jamestown's Gateway Center. The Mental Health Association is a peer-run organization that offers support services to people with substance use disorders and all other forms of mental health diagnosis. The association works in collaboration with local treatment providers, other non-profits, community-based partners and treatment courts to empower individuals in attaining their goals. In an accepting environment, it provides recovery coaching by certified peer specialists as well as support groups and classes.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member is welcome to call or stop in. Hours are Monday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call the Mental Health Association at 661-9044 or visit mhachautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.