In recognition of local groups’ educational efforts on drug addiction, Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan will be proclaiming May 2017 as Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Chautauqua County.

One of the main events happening in May will be the Hope and Healing for Chautauqua event, taking place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville. This free, day-long event will feature guest speakers, presentations, and addiction resources for the community.

Dr. Rodney Wambeam

The featured keynote speaker for Hope and Healing for Chautauqua is Dr. Rodney Wambeam, Senior Research Scientist at the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center of the University of Wyoming. Wambeam will present on “Boomers, Xera and Millennials: How New Research on Generations Can Inform the Future of Prevention.”

In addition, Level Up Talks will be given in the form of micro presentations to provide further information about prevention, treatment and recovery concepts with the potential to “level up” hope and healing in Chautauqua County.

Breakout sessions will complete the day with HOPE Youth Empowerment Program for Youth Advocacy lead by Laurie Reynolds and Tracy Jespersen of CASAC; Planning and Evaluating Environmental Prevention Efforts lead by Wambeam; Success in Treatment and Recovery with Lifestyle Changes lead by Dr. Davina Moss-King; and Peer Specialists and Peer Recovery Supports lead by Kia Briggs, MHA and Pastor Leecroft Clarke of Addiction Response Ministry.

Information and resource tables will be available throughout the day. Additionally, New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Credential Hours for CPP/CPS and CASAC will be available. Attendee registration to the event is open until May 1 and those who register after this date may not be guaranteed a lunch.

The Hope and Healing events are put on by the Healthy Opportunities for Prevention Education (HOPE) Chautauqua Coalition. This diverse group of community partners has been working together to plan local events that promote hope, highlight resources, and strengthen substance abuse efforts in Chautauqua County. The planning committee includes representatives of  CASAC, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, Chautauqua Tapestry, Evergreen Health, HOPE Chautauqua Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, MHA, UPMC Chautauqua WCA, local faith leaders, and other dedicated community members.

For more information about the Hope and Healing for Chautauqua events, registration information and additional details, visit the HOPE Chautauqua Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/HopeChautauqua/.