Prevention Works

The award is part of more than $2.9 million for ten providers across the State to fund prevention services for high-need populations in underserved communities under the “Community Prevention and Intervention” initiative.

Funding for this initiative was provided to New York State through the Federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Supplemental block grant.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Unused or expired medication can be dropped off between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Alstar Ambulance in Dunkirk.

This is the only participating site in Chautauqua County for the Drug Take Back Day.

However, Chautauqua County residents always have the option to take their unused or expired medication to the following drop sites in Jamestown:
– Jamestown Police Department, located at 201 East 2nd Street
– CVS Pharmacy, locagted at 19 South Main Street
– Tops Pharmacy, located at 2000 Washington Street

These prescription drop box sites are free, anonymous, and usually available 24/7. Liquids and sharps (needles) will not be accepted

For more information, visit preventionworks.us

Prevention Works

This year’s theme is: “Choices are POWERFUL and I choose ME!”

The contest is open to youth in grades 3 through 12. Prevention Works said the poster design should communicate emotions and ideas about ways to empower others.

Participants have an opportunity to win a cash prize and have artwork displayed on a local billboard.

Only one entry is allowed per person and can be dropped off at Prevention Works’ office in Jamestown or at the James Prendergast Library.

The poster contest deadline is 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 24.

For more information, contact 716-664-3608 or email info@preventionworks.us.

The Coalition Coordinator has been working with youth in Falconer’s 8th grade health class teaching the students about the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the teenage brain as well as environmental factors that influence youth to use. That led to students creating billboards that are displayed in Falconer to increase positive messaging in the community.

The Coalition has also partnered with Falconer Middle School implementing their Middle School Video Game Club. The afterschool club allows middle school students to play video games with their peers. The goal of the club is to prepare the middle school students for the High School Esports team by developing the students’ teamwork, communication, patience and other social emotional skills, so students can grow into successful, healthy competitors when they are able to compete in tournaments against other schools in their high school years.

The Coalition will use the funds from M&T Bank to provide training opportunities for Falconer youth through the national organization, CADCA (Community based, Advocacy focused, Data driven, Coalition building Academy), the WNY Prevention Resource Center and other local leadership opportunities.

For more information about the HOPE Chautauqua Coalition, contact Prevention Works at (716) 664-3608 or email info@preventionworks.us.

Prevention Works

The week, which runs through February 18, honors the struggle of impacted kids and teenagers, and inspires countless others to understand they too can heal and thrive.

The agency said that 1 in 4 children live in families impacted by parental addiction. They said with the support of caring adults, children can find hope and healing, and live in a healthier way.

Prevention Works suggested reminding children of the 7 C’s which are:
They didn’t cause it. They can’t control it. They can’t cure it, but they can help take care of themselves by communicating their feelings, making healthy choices, and celebrating who they are.

Prevention Works offers confidential Intervention Services for youth ages 5-19 years old. Intervention services entail drug and alcohol education referrals if needed.

There are also groups and other trained professionals that can help. To find Al-Anon or Alateen meetings (virtually or in-person) visit
https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/.

Al-Anon/Alateen is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s substance use disorder.

For other resources and information, you can visit the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) website: www.nacoa.org.

If you have any questions or need support regarding COA, please contact Prevention Works at (716) 664-3608 or email info@preventionworks.us.

The conference returns to an in-person format this year and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Williams Center on the SUNY Fredonia campus.

This year’s conference will explore the theme “Connecting for Hope and Healing,” focusing on shared partnerships, resources, triumphs and concerns as a community.

Registration is required in advance and the cost of attendance is $15 per person. Registration includes a boxed lunch.

You can register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/295506958267, or by visiting www.hopeandhealingconference.com.

For more information, contact Prevention Works at (716) 664-3608 .

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Hope Chautauqua-Prevention Works says the event is taking place from 10:00am to 2:00 p.m.

Collection locations for unused or expired prescription medications this year are the old Five Star Bank at 284 East Fairmount Avenue in Lakewood, Westfield Family Physicians on East Main Street in Westfield, and Alstar Ambulance on Monroe Street in Dunkirk.

The drug take back is free and anonymous. Liquids and sharps (needles) will not be accepted.

For more information, call Prevention Works at 716-366-4623.

The funding comes as part an announcement by New York State of funding for agencies to to expand evidence-based addiction prevention services. Funding was awarded to providers in each of New York State’s ten economic development regions and will support prevention providers who had their services negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is administering this funding.

WRFA’s Julia Ciesla-Hanley talked to Prevention Works Associate Director Laurie Reynolds about a support program she helped create for parents with children who have autism as well as a new program for kids that’s taking place next week.

Russell also asked the Police Chief to request officers be vigilant to remind parents that if children are around while setting off illegal fireworks that they could be charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

City Corporation Counsel Elliot Raimondo emphasized that the fireworks being sold in the city limits are legal items, such as sparkling devices, and that the fireworks causing the issues are coming from Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Jamestown City Council will vote next week on a shared services agreement between the City and County Sheriff’s Office to move the Fire Department to a new reporting system. The fire reporting and management software under the County E-9-1-1 and emergency management comes at a cost of $154-thousand-675 dollars.

Officials say the new software is needed due to State requirements that all fire departments meet national reporting standards as set forth by the United States Fire Administration. The current software used by the Jamestown Fire Department does not meet these standards.

Jamestown City Council also heard a presentation on syringe drop kiosks from Prevention Works-Hope Chautauqua. Outreach Specialist Keri Huels said the kiosk systems are free and New York State would pay for a year of syringe removal. She had toured several park facilities, including the Riverwalk, with Parks Manager Dan Stone to determine possible kiosk locations.