Three participants were recognized at the July recovery luncheon for their work on the flower garden behind the Mental Health Association’s facility along the Chadakoin River. Pictured from left are Rod Dorchak, Diana Bloom, Executive Director Steven Cobb, and Pete Carcione.

Steven Cobb, Mental Health Association executive director, opened his welcome at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s July recovery luncheon with some good news.

Cobb noted that from November 2022 to June 2023 there were 48 fatal overdoses in Chautauqua County. During that same period a year later, November 2023 to June 2024, that number was cut in half, to only 24. While there is still much work to do, Cobb said the decrease in fatal overdoses shows that everyone is doing their part and that Narcan, a safe, easily administered medication that reverses opioid overdoses, is being used effectively. Narcan is available free at the MHA.

A participant who includes public speaking among her recovery goals read a statement of encouragement that they wrote.

Cobb awarded certificates to participants for achieving milestones in their recovery, including for obtaining a full-time job and for one year and for 19 years of sobriety, and to three for their work on the flower garden behind the building. He also recognized Bonnie Weber, who will be receiving the Impact Award from the YWCA Jamestown at the Women of Achievement Celebration on August 9 for her work with the unhoused. Weber replied, “Make a choice: make a change.”

Becky Hemmis offered grace before the picnic meal that was prepared and served by MHA staff and board of directors.

Following the luncheon, a training seminar was presented by Steve Haagsma, education specialist with HOME (Housing Opportunities Made Equal) on tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities. No appointment is necessary to meet with a representative of the Buffalo-based program the second Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m.to 4 p.m. in the Department of Development on the fourth floor of Jamestown City Hall. Services are also available by contacting 716-854-1400 or HOMENY.org.

The Mental Health Association’s Jamestown center is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.to 7 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Hours for the north county center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk, are 9:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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.