Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel announced the new department will be known as the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services.

He also formally announced his appointment of Carmelo Hernandez as the new department’s director.

Wendel said in a statement, “This integrated department will provide enhanced services and treatment opportunities to county residents while preventing residents from slipping through the cracks when dealing with multiple county agencies. ”

Hernandez began his position as Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services on September 7, 2021 filling the vacancy left by former director Pat Brinkman, who retired in April of 2021.

Prior to being hired by Chautauqua County, Hernandez previously served as a lead therapist at Alssaro Counseling Services in New Rochelle and a mental health consultant at WestCOP in Westchester.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership at Mercy College and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University.

Hernandez began his position on September 7th. He fills the vacancy left by former director Pat Brinkman, who retired in April 2021.

Hernandez previously served as a lead therapist at Alssaro Counseling Services in New Rochelle, New York; and a mental health consultant at WestCOP in Westchester. Prior to that, he served as a program manager for Wediko Children’s Services and a combat stress recovery specialist for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Hernandez earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from New York University in New York. He is also a certified Licensed Master Social Worker. Hernandez currently resides in Westfield.

Since the beginning of August, there have been 24 non-fatal overdoses, and 4 suspected fatal overdoses reported to the ODMAP system. Naloxone (Narcan) was administered after at least 19 of the 24 non-fatal overdoses, and at least 1 of 4 suspected fatal overdoses. All four of the recent suspected fatal overdoses involved heroin or some other opioid. Heroin was the suspected drug listed in 19 of the 24 non-fatal overdose incidents.

On average, Chautauqua County experienced about 20 overdoses per month in 2019. Through July 2020, the County has experienced an average of 29 overdoses per month.

“Over the last year, Chautauqua County Government has collaborated with the Mental Health Association and local law enforcement agencies to improve outreach to individuals who have experienced overdose.” stated Christine Schuyler, Director of Health and Human Services. “We know this program works and these recent overdoses show how critically important it is for everyone to work together and connect people in need to appropriate resources.”

The peer response program provides resources and support to victims of overdose, with a goal of helping them find connection, harm reduction resources, and opportunities for recovery.

Patricia Brinkman, Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services, reminds county residents of the range of prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services available in Chautauqua County. “We urge people to utilize CombatAddictionCHQ.com to learn more about addiction and to find specific services available throughout our county.”

Chautauqua County government and its partners encourage people who use drugs, and their family members, to take advantage of local resources for harm reduction and recovery. People who use drugs and their families should obtain a naloxone (Narcan) kit if they do not have one on hand, and should be prepared to call 911. Visit CombatAddictionCHQ.com to learn about chemical dependency services available throughout the County.

The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

“In the face of an uptick in overdoses that we are experiencing, I encourage people to reduce harm in any way possible. Remember that fentanyl can be in any drug now, not just heroin. Make sure you have Narcan accessible and try not to use alone,” commented Steven Cobb, Executive Director of MHA. “If you’re looking for help with recovery, decreasing use, or using in a safer way, the MHA can connect people anywhere in Chautauqua County with a Recovery Coach by calling 716-661-9044.”

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County has many resources to assist individuals suffering substance use disorders and their families. Recovery coaches through the MHA can help people throughout Chautauqua County with recovery, decreasing use, or using in a safer way. Call the MHA at 716-661-9044 or send a message to the MHA Chautauqua Facebook page for assistance, information, or to access Narcan.

Evergreen Health Services offers harm reduction tools including a Syringe Exchange Program, naloxone training and distribution, testing for HIV and sexually transmitted disease, and support for those in crisis. They can be reached by calling 716-541-0678.

If you are with someone who experiences overdose, call 911, and administer naloxone (Narcan) if it is available.

• AUDIO ALSO AVAILABLE ON SOUNDCLOUD

There’s been a rise of drug overdoses and overdose fatalities in Chautauqua County during March and April 2020. WRFA’s Jason Sample talks with Patricia Brinkman, director of the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, to learn more about the recent crisis and also to share details about what resources are available for people dealing with chemical dependency.

In response, the Chautauqua Substance Abuse Response Partnership is urging county residents struggling with addiction to seek treatment, advising them that “Now is the Time.” Now is the time to seek help, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), for several reasons:

• Deadly amounts of fentanyl have been present in the local drug supply;
• Financial, social, psychological, and physical stresses of living through a pandemic increase risk; and
• Access to treatment, including MAT, has never been easier.

Outpatient clinics across the county are working to make access to treatment available for anyone in need, including those for whom travel to a clinic is a barrier.  Telehealth options for medication and for counseling are available through The Resource Center, The Chautauqua Center, UPMC Chautauqua, the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, and the TLC Health Network. Contact and other information can be found at CombatAddictionCHQ.com.

“Now really is the time for anyone struggling with an addiction and/or emotional pain to seek help through one of the outpatient behavioral health clinics throughout the county,” said , Patricia Brinkiman, Chautauqua County Community Mental Hygiene Services Director. “The risks and dangers of these days are great, but so too are the options for help.”

The Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline, 1-800-724-0461, is available if you are experiencing a personal crisis or are in emotional distress.

]]> https://www.wrfalp.com/chemical-treatment-providers-urge-residents-to-seek-medicated-assisted-treatment-if-dealing-with-addiction/feed/ 0 34223 https://www.wrfalp.com/listencommunity-matters-chautauqua-county-department-of-mental-hygiene-director-patricia-brinkman/ https://www.wrfalp.com/listencommunity-matters-chautauqua-county-department-of-mental-hygiene-director-patricia-brinkman/#respond Fri, 27 Mar 2020 13:30:17 +0000 http://www.wrfalp.com/?p=33812

• AUDIO ALSO AVAILABLE AT SOUNDCLOUD

The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene is continuing to offer services to local residents during the COVID-19 crisis. WRFA’s Jason Sample recently talked with director Patricia Brinkman to get an update.

On Thursday it was announced that Columbia University’s School of Social Work has been awarded $86 million from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, to support research intended to reduce opioid deaths across the state.

Chautauqua County will receive approximately $2 million over the next four years to implement an evidenced based Opioid Use Disorder treatment model. The project will be conducted in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, the county office responsible for addressing opioid use, and driven by robust community engagement and real-time learning rooted in data and systems science through a County-system Hub And Spoke Empowerment (CHASE) model.

The CHASE model is expected to achieve an estimated 40 percent reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths in each selected county. The first phase of the project is scheduled to begin in late spring.

“These grant funds and the support from Columbia University will strengthen the work within the county to address the needs of those living with addiction and will further support the efforts to combat the opioid crisis,” said Patricia Brinkman, Chautauqua County Community Mental Hygiene Services Director. “The County and community partners have been working tenaciously to combat this issue. While we have seen the number of lives lost decline there is much more work to be done. This partnership and grant funds will further strengthen our efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Chautauqua County.”

“This substantial grant, along with the continued collaboration amongst the stakeholders participating in the Countywide Alliance for Enforcement and Rehabilitation, will allow us to continue to make strides forward in addressing the opioid crisis here in our county,” said George Borrello, Chautauqua County Executive.

The investigative team from Columbia University’s School of Social Work brought together New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, New York State Department of Health, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and 15 state and local mental hygiene commissioners to help investigate solutions to the opioid crisis.

Pictured: Steven Cobb, Executive Director, and Sean Jones, Recovery Coach for the Mental Health Association preparing recovery bags to be distributed to community members who have experienced an overdose.

SUBMITTED MEDIA RELEASE

MAYVILLE – There’s a new effort underway in Chautauqua County to respond to non-fatal overdose events with support and resources for recovery.

A true collaborative effort has led to the development of a program which will connect people who have experienced an overdose with a peer from the Mental Health Association within 48 hours. The project began in Jamestown this week. If the program is successful, County officials hope to expand efforts to all of Chautauqua County.

Over the past year, the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services (CCDHHS) has been working to engage law enforcement and emergency responders in a program that provides real-time surveillance and mapping of known and suspected overdose events.

The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) was developed and is operated by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program. The program is available nationwide, free of charge to public officials who aim to gather better data on fatal and non-fatal overdoses in their communities, and to design meaningful response plans for citizens in need.

ODMAP’s creators intended for it to result in better collaboration between public health agencies responding to the opioid crisis, and law enforcement agencies who frequently encounter and respond to overdose events in their communities.

“Getting ODMAP up and running in Chautauqua County has been a goal of our department since the summer of 2017,” stated Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Director of Health and Human Services. “We are eager and excited to see how this program can help us respond to the needs of our residents in a meaningful way, while collecting important data that will help us monitor the opioid epidemic.”

“This pilot offers us the opportunity to offer hope to those battling opioid addiction when they are vulnerable and potentially most receptive to the powerful message that treatment works and recovery is possible,” said Patricia Brinkman, Director of the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene.  “The peer recovery coach offers assistance in navigating the service system as well as one on one support throughout the process. The hope is this new approach will increase the number of individuals who choose to enter treatment following overdose,” continued Brinkman.

For this pilot project in Chautauqua County, the process begins when an officer of the Jamestown Police Department enters basic information about the overdose (fatal/non-fatal status, doses of Narcan given, and suspected drug) into the mobile-friendly ODMAP website. CCDHHS staff monitor the map daily for overdoses that occur in Jamestown, and request information about the overdose from the police department. When contacted by CCDHHS, the Mental Health Association (MHA) deploys a peer recovery coach to connect with the person and offer services as well as a care package.

The true value of the interaction is the connection between the peer and the person who recently experienced an overdose. The peer offers connection to services at MHA and other agencies throughout the community, including providers of Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT). Care packages being distributed are a token of support for those who are interested in getting involved with MHA, and for those who are not quite ready to make a change.  The packages and their contents serve as a reminder that help is available and how they can access help. The package includes information about local recovery resources, education about recovery, chap stick, and a healthy snack.

“The MHA is excited to be able to use Certified Peer Specialists to connect with our neighbors who have experienced an overdose. We meet people where they are at to develop a path of wellness and recovery. Recent studies have shown that people who connect with peer coaches have reduced rates of relapse and reduced substance use,” commented Steven Cobb, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association. “Everyone needs chances to recover.  Our peers will be able to help navigate our treatment system to make recovery easier.  This is a big step forward for recovery in our community.”

Several law enforcement and emergency response agencies are on board with the ODMAP effort, and work is ongoing to obtain full participation across the county. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, the Jamestown Police Department, the Lakewood-Busti Police Department, and Alstar Ambulance Services were a few of the early adopters in the County.

The ODMAP Peer Response project mirrors similar work being done in Erie County by the Cheektowaga Police Department and the Erie County Department of Health.In December of 2018, Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello’s Countywide Alliance for Enforcement and Rehabilitation (CAER) issued a report recommending a number of measures be implemented to better address the county’s drug crisis. One of those recommendations called for the creation of a peer response program in Chautauqua County which has now come to fruition.

Several partners have assisted in the design and implementation of this project, including Alstar EMS, Chautauqua Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council, the Chautauqua County Departments of Emergency Services, Health and Human Services, Mental Hygiene, the County Executive’s, District Attorney’s and Sheriff’s Offices, Chautauqua Opportunities Incorporated, Evergreen Health Services, Erie County Department of Health, HOPE Chautauqua, Jamestown Police Department, Mental Health Association of Chautauqua County, New York State Department of Health, UPMC Chautauqua, and Southern Tier Emergency Medical System, as well as various police and fire agencies throughout the county.

The ODMAP Peer Response project is supported by 1 NU90TP921994 (Public Health Opioid Crisis), funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.

[MEDIA RELEASE]

MAYVILLE – Suicide is a serious public health problem that takes an enormous toll on families, friends, classmates, co-workers, and communities. Uncovering the reasons for an individual suicide death is complex and challenging.  Suicide deaths are usually not precipitated by one cause only.

If you suspect someone may be at risk for suicide, take it seriously. Fifty to 75 percent of people who attempt suicide tell someone about their intention in some way; sometimes it can be obvious but other times we might need to be aware of more subtle signs. Ask the person questions. Begin by telling the person that you feel is at risk that you are concerned about them. Tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feel concerned about suicide. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the person is considering suicide, and whether they have a particular plan or method in mind. These questions will not push them toward suicide if they were not considering it.  Do not be afraid to use the word suicide; asking directly about suicide is important in prevention. Many times a person who is thinking of suicide wants someone to listen to the pain that they are experiencing.

Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Instead, let them know you care, they are not alone and they can get help. Avoid pleading and preaching to them with statements such as, “You have so much to live for,” or “Your suicide will hurt your family.” And finally, actively encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. People considering suicide often believe they cannot be helped. If you can, assist them to identify a medical professional in their community and schedule an appointment.  If you are concerned that the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-724-0461.

Social media also offers resources to help. For example, when someone is talking or posting about suicide on Facebook, please report the post by selecting the option, ‘I think it shouldn’t be on Facebook,’ then select, ‘It’s threatening, violent or suicidal,’ and then the option, ‘Self-injury or suicide.’ You will then be able to select an option including support to your friend, reach out to a friend you trust, receive tips from suicide prevention experts on how to help, or you can select to have Facebook review the post.

“We want to stress that there is a lot of help and supports in our community,” said Victoria Patti, Coordinator of the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. “It is better to report the concern to a medical professional or call 911, than to do nothing at all or think someone else will do it. Community members need to understand and know the warning signs of suicide and be brave enough to ask the question, ‘Are you thinking of suicide?’ Those that are thinking of suicide may just want to be heard and their pain to be understood.  Taking the time to ask more questions and being open to hearing a person’s story can be what someone needs to take that step to receive help or other supports.  Take all warning signs seriously and please reach out hand; you may save a life.”

Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello and Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services Patricia Brinkman also want to stress that suicide prevention and awareness is an important topic for community conversations and that there is help in the community.

“It is so important that we talk about these concerns and don’t brush them aside and hope they go away” said Brinkman. “We need to create a community culture in which we feel comfortable in talking about mental health openly and honestly in order to receive the support and resources necessary to work towards wellness. There is still stigma surrounding the topic of mental health, and we hope to break this stigma by continuing out awareness and prevention efforts.”

“We all must recognize the many life struggles individuals may face, and it is important that everyone in our communities is aware of the warning signs of suicide and the resources available,” said Borrello. “By lending a hand or a listening ear, reminding someone they are not alone, providing information about available support services, and reaching out with kindness to someone who you believe is at risk of suicide are ways we can help these individuals receive the assistance they need to find a better, healthier solution to the personal issues that may be troubling them.”

Knowing the warning signs of suicide could be potentially lifesaving for an individual in crisis. They are as follows:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, seek help. Resources are available. However, if in a serious emergency, dial 911 immediately.

“There are also supports in the community for those who have experienced personal loss due to suicide,” said Annie Rosenthal, PR Coordinator at Chautauqua Tapestry.  “The Survivors of Suicide Loss Bereavement Support Group offers community members a safe space to share with others their experiences and who are feeling similar emotions of loss.”

The Survivors of Suicide Loss Bereavement Support Group resumes on October 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care in Lakewood.

The group is facilitated by Carri Raynor, who is a suicide loss survivor and has been trained by The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Bereavement Group Facilitation. This support group is collaboration among Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, and The Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. For more information about the group, email Carri Raynor at carriraynor@gmail.com.

Local Community Mental Health Resources:

• Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline: 1-800-724-0461, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Mobile Crisis Team, 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and  24 hours on weekends and holidays, accessed through the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline
• Chautauqua County Mental Health Clinics, Jamestown: (716) 661-8330, Dunkirk: (716) 363-3550
• UPMC Chautauqua Outpatient Mental Health Program, Dunkirk: (716) 664-8641
• The Resource Center Mental Health, Jamestown: (716) 661-1590, Dunkirk: (716) 366-7660
• Hospice Chautauqua County Bereavement Services (all ring into the administrative offices), Jamestown/Lakewood: (716) 338-0033, Dunkirk/Fredonia: (716) 672-6944, Mayville: (716) 753-5383
• Mental Health Association Support and Linkages: (716) 661-9044

National Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.

In a media release sent out on Wednesday, health officials say suicide is a serious public health problem that takes an enormous toll on families, friends, classmates, co-workers, and communities. Uncovering the reason for an individual suicide death is complex and challenging.

Health officials also say that if you suspect someone may be at risk for suicide, take it seriously. Fifty to seventy-five percent of people who attempt suicide tell someone about their intention. Ask the person questions. Begin by telling the person that you feel is at risk that you are concerned about them. Tell them specifically what they have said or done that makes you feel concerned about suicide. Don’t be afraid to ask whether the person is considering suicide, and whether they have a particular plan or method in mind. These questions will not push them toward suicide if they were not considering it.

Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Instead, let them know you care, they are not alone and they can get help. Avoid pleading and preaching to them with statements such as, “You have so much to live for,” or “Your suicide will hurt your family.” And finally, actively encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. People considering suicide often believe they cannot be helped. If you can, assist them to identify a medical professional in their community and schedule an appointment.  If you are concerned that the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-724-0461.

Social media also offers resources to help. For example, when someone is talking or posting about suicide on Facebook, please report the post by selecting the option, ‘I think it shouldn’t be on Facebook,’ then select, ‘It’s threatening, violent or suicidal,’ and then the option, ‘Self-injury or suicide.’ You will then be able to select an option including support to your friend, reach out to a friend you trust, receive tips from suicide prevention experts on how to help, or you can select to have Facebook review the post.

“We want to stress that there is help in our community,” said Victoria Patti, Coordinator of the Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention. “It is better to report the concern to a medical professional or call 911, than to do nothing at all or think someone else will do it. Community members need to understand and know the warning signs of suicide and be brave enough to ask the question, ‘Are you thinking of suicide?’ Those that are thinking of suicide may just want to be heard and their pain to be understood.  Take all warning signs seriously and please reach out a hand; you may save a life.”

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan and Department of Mental Hygiene Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services Patricia Brinkman also stress that suicide prevention and awareness is an important topic for community conversations and there is help in the community.

“It is so important that we talk about these concerns and don’t brush them aside and hope they go away,” said Brinkman. “We need to create a community culture in which we feel comfortable in talking about mental health openly and honestly in order to receive the support and resources necessary to work towards wellness. There is still stigma surrounding the topic of mental health, and we hope to break this stigma by continuing our awareness and prevention efforts.”

“This is a serious problem we are aggressively addressing through continued trainings and other community supports available to anyone,” said Horrigan. “Help is here for anyone dealing with severe depression or life threatening behavioral health issues.”

Knowing the warning signs of suicide could be potentially lifesaving for an individual in crisis. They are as follows:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has recently increased in frequency or intensity, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, seek help. Resources are available. However, if in a serious emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Local Community Mental Health Resources:

• Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline: 1-800-724-0461, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Mobile Crisis Team, 5 p.m. – 9 a.m., 24 hour weekends and holidays, accessed through the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline
• Chautauqua County Mental Health Clinics, Jamestown: (716) 661-8330, Dunkirk: (716) 363-3550
• UPMC Chautauqua WCA Outpatient Mental Health Program, Dunkirk: (716) 664-8641
• The Resource Center Mental Health, Jamestown: (716) 661-1590, Dunkirk: (716) 366-7660
• Hospice Chautauqua County Bereavement Services (all ring into the administrative offices), Jamestown/Lakewood: (716) 338-0033, Dunkirk/Fredonia: (716) 672-6944, Mayville: (716) 753-5383
• Mental Health Association Support and Linkages: (716) 661-9044

National Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.