Many who struggle with a drug addiction often find it difficult or perhaps embarrassing to acknowledge their problem and ask for help.

This stigma, along with avoidance of communication, are what many local leaders blame for a lack of awareness in the community, particularly concerning available treatment options and providers.

To that end, Chautauqua Advocates for Addiction Assistance will host a “Break the Stigma” community picnic Sunday from 1-6 p.m. at the 100 Acre Lot, located on Curtis Street behind Jamestown Community College.

The picnic, which is free and open to the public, aims to bring the community together in a fun, informal setting, and allow everyone the opportunity to learn about local organizations that can help them or their loved ones struggling with addiction.

“We really just want to get more people talking about (addiction), and get the information out there from the local organizations,” said Heather Mendell, co-founder of Chautauqua Advocates for Addiction Assistance. “We want to really show people that there is help available and there’s nothing wrong with having a problem. We’re all here to support and we’d really like to see a change made to get these people the help they need.”

The event will include two Narcan training sessions, courtesy of the Chautauqua County Health Department, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Narcan, or naloxone, is the lifesaving “opioid antagonist” that can counter the effects of an overdose.

There will also be a viewing of the “Recover Jamestown” documentary, live music, an open mic, as well as education and support from local wellness and health organizations.

Picnic-style food and non-alcoholic beverages and lawn games will be provided. The public is encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs.

There will also be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will fund a chartered bus trip to Albany to inform the State Legislature on the need for long-term programs and improved addiction assistance programs and laws, Mendell said.

Information will be available from local organizations including the Mental Health Association, Wake up Salamanca, and the FedUP Coalition.

“There’s a lot of stigma surrounding addiction,” Mendell said. “People don’t want to talk about it, and we need to break that and get people talking about it so changes can be made.”