Volunteer Ben Colaiacovo was recognized at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s April recovery luncheon for making a replacement to the outdoor step at the entryway.

Ben Colaiacovo, a Mental Health Association volunteer, was recognized recently for his volunteer work replacing the concrete step outside the MHA’s entry door.

With a reminder that the recovery center has hats, gloves and scarves available, Jill Marsh, the association’s finance director, said that while Community Helping Hands is not currently operating, it would have a one-time, three-hour clothing giveaway for those who pick up a coupon.

Grant Manager Michelle Colaiacovo announced that there has been a recent finding of Nitazenes in Chautauqua County. Spreading worldwide, this class of synthetic opioids is 40 times more potent than fentanyl and driving increases in overdose deaths. Narcan is effective in an overdose but may need to be administered a second time. All drugs should be tested before use.

Colaiacovo presented awards for progress made by a number of participants for accomplishments that included being promoted to a manager at their workplace, graduating from drug court, and three for securing safe housing.

The MHA has hired two new bilingual, Spanish- and English-speaking, staff members that will start in May. One will be full-time in Jamestown and one half-time at the North County recovery center in Dunkirk.

Volunteer Chelsea Gizowski assisted staffers Ed Lloyd and Jessica Crooks in serving the meal prepared by St. Susan Center.

MHA recovery luncheons are open to anyone on the third Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. Like all MHA services, the luncheons are free.

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County 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 Jamestown recovery center is at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.