Submitted Photo One of the stories in the first newsletter published by the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County is about a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for an additional recovery coach. Pictured, from left, are: MHA Advisory Board Chair Dr. Lillian Ney, MHA Chief Executive Officer Rick Huber, Community Foundation Executive Director Randy Sweeney and MHA Advisory Board Vice-Chair Dale Robbins.

JAMESTOWN — A picture of Advisory Board Chair Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney graces the front page of the first newsletter published by the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County.

“Dr. Ney is such an inspiration to us,” said MHA Executive Director Kia Briggs, “and we’re so pleased that her message can be spread this way.”

In her story, Dr. Ney explains how her eyes were first opened about drug addiction when she went to a presentation by the Mental Health Association. Her message now is, “Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing.”

In another story, a mother describes the trauma their entire family experienced from their daughter’s substance abuse — including their house being set on fire. With the help and guidance of MHA’s certified peer recovery coaches, eight years later the young woman received her master’s degree in social work, while working full-time as a single parent.

This first newsletter, with the MHA’s motto “Recover-ing Lives, Saving Families,” can be read in its entirety on the MHA website, www.mhachautauqua.org.

The Mental Health Association is located in the Gateway Center at 31 Water St., Door 14, in Jamestown.  More than two dozen peer support groups are held there every week, where participants can talk with others across a wide range of concerns.

The MHA is staffed by recovery coaches, trained individuals who are recovering from mental health diagnosis, most from substance abuse. They work in collaboration with local treatment providers, other non-profits, and especially the Jamestown City Treatment Court to help participants be successful in attaining their goals.

Hours are Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All MHA services and programs are offered free of charge.

To learn more about the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, call 661-9044 or visit www.mhachautauqua.org or www.facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.