Officials with the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County say the organization's first North County Participant Celebration exceeded their expectations. Upwards of 100 people turned out for the event at Dunkirk's Point Gratiot Park on Wednesday, August 16th. MHA Human Resources Director Billy Hernandez roasted 25 pounds of hot dogs that were served with Texas hot sauce and macaroni salad made by Jodi Scanlan. French Creek Recovery Center alumni donated sodas. Four participants -- Emma Kubica, Megann Panek, Joseph Wicks and Wing Wills -- spoke, sharing stories of their pathways to recovery and the important role played by the MHA. Certificates were awarded to 10 participants for their varying months in recovery.
Peer Coach Specialist and North County Recovery Center Manager Ken Kendall says, "It was an amazing event, and it more than exceeded our expectations!"
Steve Kilburn, grants project director for the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, recognized the accuracy of Kendall's report that while northern Chautauqua County had three reported overdose deaths in 2022, there have already been 11 so far this year, not counting non-fatalities that were not recorded. Kendall says this increase is the result of xylazine being laced into fentanyl and methamphetamine.
A number of community members not previously involved with the MHA came to the event and learned about resources available through other organizations and how they all work together. These organizations shared information about what they offer: Combat Addiction CHQ, Chautauqua Suicide Awareness, ROME (Recovery Options Made Easy), STRAWW (Southern Tier Recovery Activities Without Walls), Chautauqua Opportunities' DADS Program, Dunkirk Treatment Court, GoodSkills Career Builder, and the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene.
Mental Health Association Peer Specialist Morgan Rowley (left), North County Recovery Center Manager Ken Kendall (center) and Strong Starts Navigator Roseann Crocker (right) welcomed a large crowd to the recent Participant Celebration in Dunkirk's Point Gratiot Park. Photo by the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County
