CELORON – The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County will co-host a Regional Harm Reduction and Xylazine Wound Care Summit at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, 10 Dunham Ave., Celoron, on Friday, Jan. 19.

The MHA is co-hosting with the Northeast and Caribbean Opioid Response Network and the Columbia School of Nursing in New York City.

The one-day summit provides an opportunity to further knowledge and experience regarding wound care for people who use drugs (PWUD). It is aimed at staff of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, social workers, or anyone who can benefit from this training. The free 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. event includes a light breakfast and lunch.

The principles and concept of harm reduction will be explored, providing participants with an accepting, compassionate and kind way to support people in the community who use substances. Discussion will cover topics such as the risks associated with xylazine use, best practices for identifying and treating wounds, conventional strategies for improving engagement in wound care among PWUDs, and harm reduction-focused resources and recommendations for enhancing their health. Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions of experts, collaborate with peers, share experiences and practice wound care intervention. CASAC and social work credits are available.

For more information, email Shannon Fisk, MHA project manager, at Shannon.Fisk@MHAChautauqua.org.

Since seating is limited, registration is necessary. For details of the agenda and to register, visit Facebook.com/MHAChautauqua.

Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member suffering from a mental health or substance use disorder is welcome to call or stop in at the Jamestown recovery center at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water St. It is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hours for the north county recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk, are 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call 716-661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or Facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of MHA’s dozens of groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups.