When Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County OD Response Team staffer Allison Murphy receives the report of an overdose, she brings Narcan for training and an information packet with contact information for Peer/County Recovery Resources.

The front page of the recent fall newsletter of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County describes the challenges presented by the local overdose crisis as well as the resources being mustered to combat it.

The story notes that Allison Murphy, peer support specialist for the MHA’s Overdose Response Team, was busy before the coronavirus pandemic hit last winter. Since then the need for her to respond to known overdoses in Chautauqua County has surged. As a peer, she offers a connection to services at the MHA and other community agencies and aims to find resources to avoid a recurrence, including by giving training in Narcan, a nasal spray medication that can save the life of someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose.

Recovered from her own 20-year addiction to alcohol, Murphy said, “I want people to know that they’re not alone. I’m going to be here for them, whenever they are ready. I will continue to support them with whatever they need. If it weren’t for the peer support I received from the MHA when I was beginning my journey, I’m not sure where I would be today.”

In addition to recounting many of the organization’s activities in recent months, the newsletter invites anyone who is grateful for the work of the MHA to say “thank you” with a contribution on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been designated Giving Tuesday, an international day of charitable giving. You can show your thanks for the MHA and help continue its important work with a donation at MHAChautauqua.org/Donate or on the MHA Facebook page or by mailing a check to 31 Water St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

The full MHA fall newsletter is available at MHAChautauqua.org/newsletters.

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.

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

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

MHA services in Jamestown are provided in the Gateway Center, Door 14, 31 Water Street. The North County center is at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle Street in Dunkirk.

All Mental Health Association services are free.

To learn more about the Mental Health Association, visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.