JAMESTOWN — At the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s November luncheon, 17 participants were recognized for reaching recovery goals and three for graduating from Jamestown Treatment court.

While Hepatitis C and HIV are preventable and effective treatments are available for people who are already infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control, acute Hepatitis C infections increased by 250 percent  between 2010 and 2014. Young people who inject drugs are at an especially high risk for these infections.

Ian Eastman, whose office is at the MHA, is Syringe Exchange Program Coordinator for Evergreen Health. He talked about Evergreen’s new program to combat Hepatitis C and HIV, reaching out to people ages 29 and under who inject drugs to help them develop a strategy to reduce risks. Those who complete two sessions will receive a $50 gift card. Those who refer an eligible friend will receive an additional $25 gift card. Sessions include HIV and Hep C testing, overdose prevention training, linkage to services, and more. To make an appointment —  which is necessary to participate  — call 541-0678 or come to the Evergreen Exchange at the MHA.

The MHA’s Director of Peer Services, Steven Cobb, spoke about a new recovery program called Refuge Recovery that he and Sheridan Smith are leading. Based on Buddhist Principles, this is the first meeting of this fellowship in New York State outside of New York City. Smith is a Buddhist and each meeting includes meditation. Refuge Recovery meets every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Mental Health Association.

Charlie Hodges, Jan Ball, and Dr. Mark Hanson, volunteers from the United Christian Advocacy Network, prepared and served the meal.

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.

Over two dozen peer support groups meet weekly at the Mental Health Association, where participants can talk with others across a wide range of concerns, from PTSD to parenting and much more. All MHA services and programs are offered free of charge.

The Mental Health Association is located in the Gateway Center, 31 Water St., Door #14, Jamestown. To learn more about the MHA and its many programs, call 661-9044 or visit www.mhachautauqua.org or go to the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.