Staff at the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County will use a recent contribution from Jamestown North Main Street Community Bank to meet immediate needs of those they serve. The staff pictured — all certified peer specialists and Narcan trainers — are, from left, Jesse John, Tasha McFaul-Marsh, Allison Murphy, Overdose Response team leader, and CFO Jenny Rowe.

Jamestown North Main Street Community Bank made a National Good Neighbor Day contribution to the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County in September.

September is when National Recovery Month is observed by SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is held to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those living in recovery.

Jamestown North Main Street Community Bank’s donation will be used to meet immediate needs of people that the MHA serves. It will go toward purchasing basic necessities — items like shampoo, soap, toilet paper, socks, and underwear — and occasional treats.

A United Way partner organization since 2015, the Mental Health Association 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.

The MHA provides services at 31 Water St., Door 14, in the rear of the Gateway Center, in Jamestown, and at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk. Hours in Jamestown are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Dunkirk hours are Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More than three dozen support groups meet weekly between the two facilities. The groups focus on a range of subjects including #MeToo, PTSD, substance use disorder, anger management, suicide, LGBTQIA+, cooking, art, family support, and medication assisted recovery.

A number of groups meet both in person and virtually. Wearing face coverings and safe distancing are part of all in-person experiences at the MHA. For the most current information on group meetings, visit MHAChautauqua.org/groups.

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone, a nasal spray medication that can save the life of someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose. MHA staff provide Narcan training to individuals and groups such as social clubs, businesses, work places, social service agencies, churches, and others. Anyone can obtain free Narcan by calling or texting 661-9044 with contact information.

All Mental Health Association services — including groups, individual coaching, MHA OPEN (Occupational Peer Empowerment Network) that focuses on workforce development, Narcan training, and Narcan — are free.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member can call or text 661-9044 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

To be notified of upcoming events and changes to MHA programming, visit MHAChautauqua.org/list. To learn more about the Mental Health Association, visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.