Volunteers Among Those Recognized at MHA Luncheon

Jamestown, N.Y. – In opening the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s (MHA) April recovery luncheon at the Jamestown recovery center, Executive Director Steven Cobb reminded the many present of the importance of celebrating milestones in recovery.

Cobb said that on their journeys to recovery from addictions, many participants had found tobacco one of the most difficult substances to put down. In looking at how to support those efforts, milestones in giving up smoking are now being recognized.

Participants also received certificates for finding employment, a year of sobriety, and acceptance into Jamestown Community College’s CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) program.

Cobb shared a meditation reading in remembrance of an MHA participant who lost their life to an overdose the previous week.

Two MHA volunteers were recognized for their special contributions.

Peggy Lindsey was significant in helping start the Fun Friday

Group, a time to relax and enjoy the moment, to laugh, have fun, and socialize, with a variety of activities. Tom DeBeau received a certificate for facilitating the faithbased PTSD men’s group and truly embracing the MHA’s mission and vision statements.

The MHA’s Mission Statement is: The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County commits to radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy for our community members who struggle with mental health and substance use.

The Vision Statement is: The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County envisions a time when the peer recovery model is widely relied upon as a foundation of support and advocacy to address the total needs of all individuals and their families challenged by the effects of mental health and/or substance use disorders. We will persevere in changing our local culture to one of hope, kindness, and justice, redefining and expanding the possibilities for a rich and satisfying life for people in recovery.

Black and Latino folks were reminded of community meetings— open conversations to help address the needs of our community—planned by the Chautauqua County Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (I.D.E.A.) Coalition. The Black/Latino Community Meeting was Tuesday, April 25, 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Dunkirk High School cafeteria, 75 West 6th Street. The Black/African American Community Engagement Meeting is Wednesday, January 26, 6 p.m. in the Love Elementary School gym, 50 E. 8th Street, Jamestown.

The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene provided the delicious lunch prepared by Basil & Bones.

The MHA 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.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member suffering from a mental health or substance use disorder is welcome to call or stop in at the Jamestown recovery center at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street. It is open Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m.; and Saturday,

8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Hours for the north county recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle Street in Dunkirk, are 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

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 more than five dozen groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua. org/groups.

‘The Big Catch-Up’

Are Your Family’s Routine Vaccinations Up To Date?

MAYVILLE, N.Y.

April 24-30, 2023 is World Immunization Week and National Infant Immunization Week. The World Health Organization has selected this year’s theme as ‘The Big Catch-Up’ noting that we need to act now to catch-up the millions of children who missed out on vaccines during the pandemic, restore essential immunization coverage to at least 2019 levels and strengthen primary health care to deliver immunization.

“We want to highlight the importance of protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases.” states Dr. Michael Faulk, Chief Medical Officer and Interim Public Health Director.

“Unfortunately, COVID-19 caused many disruptions in care and, as a result, families have missed appointments. Let this week serve as a reminder to residents to contact their local physician’s office to stay on track for their children’s well-visits and routinely recommended vaccinations.”

Most parents choose the safe, proven protection of vaccines. Giving babies the recommended vaccinations by age two is the best way to protect them from serious childhood diseases, like whooping cough (pertussis) and measles.

Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. Vaccines help protect both individuals and communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

“Pediatric and adolescent vaccines are extremely safe and highly effective in preventing vaccine associated diseases in children.’ explains Dr. Tariq Khan, Chautauqua County Board of Health member and local pediatrician. ‘Parents should feel confident and comfortable in getting their children age appropriate vaccines as recommended by CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics”

To learn more about recommended vaccines for all ages and when they should be given visit https://www.cdc.gov/ vaccines/schedules/.

Residents are encouraged to check with their physician’s office to find out if their family is up to date. The Chautauqua County Health Department can also review vaccination records; simply call 866-604-4789. For more information on vaccines and vaccine preventable illnesses visit www.heathyCHQ.com.

MAYVILLE, N.Y.: -- The Chautauqua County Ethics Board will be holding a meeting on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 2 p.m. in Room 331 of the Gerace Office Building, 3 N. Erie St. in Mayville, N.Y.

Current members of the board are John Hamels, Diane

Hannum, John Marengo, and Stephanie Stevens. For more information or a meeting agenda, please contact the Ethics Board Liaison at (716) 753-4120 or visit chqgov.com/countyexecutive/Ethics-Board .