The Hope & Healing Conference of Western New York, a two-day event designed to spread awareness and knowledge of mental health services available in the area, will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 5 and 6, at the Williams Center.
Keynote speakers, informational wellness tables and interactive educational workshops on mental health and chemical dependency will be offered.
Kevin Kearns, vice president of the division of Advancement, Engagement and Economic Development at Fredonia, will join Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello and Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone in welcoming guests at 9 a.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
The keynote address, “The New Millennium: Providing Hope and Healing While Simultaneously Treating Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health,” will be given on Wednesday by Dr. Davina Moss King, president/owner of Positive Direction and Associates, Inc. Representatives from different agencies will lead morning and afternoon breakout sessions that teach coping strategies and identify where support can be obtained.
Emma Fabian, senior director of harm reduction at Evergreen Health, will lead a panel discussion, “Nothing About Us Without Us – The Crucial Role of Persons with Lived Experience in Shaping Programs and Communities that Serve Them,” on Thursday.
Dr. Mansoor Kazi, who serves as Director of the Program Evaluation Center at Fredonia, will lead the keynote plenary, “Human Services & School Big Data from Manchester City Council, Chautauqua County and Rockland County,” also on Thursday. Morning and afternoon breakout sessions are planned.
Participating organizations and agencies include the Western Regional Addiction Resource Collaborative, Tobacco Free CCA, Chautauqua Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council, HOPE Chautauqua Tapestry, Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services, Mental Health Association, Evergreen Health and Addiction Response Ministries, in addition to the Advancement, Engagement and Economic Development division at Fredonia.
The conference is open to the public. Registration is available online at the Hope and Healing Facebook page at Hope and Healing Conference of WNY and includes conference fees and refreshments for both days. Parking adjacent to the Williams Center is free. Information on scholarship funding to attend the conference can be obtained by contacting the Chautauqua Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council at 664-3608.
