GCASA Blog

GOW Opioid Task Force establishes free, confidential ‘Text for Naloxone Line’
By Mike Pettinella The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force has added another weapon in the battle to prevent opioid overdose deaths: a Text for Naloxone Line. “We are very excited to offer this free and confidential text line to the community. Now, more than...

Former Batavian’s road to recovery aided by MOUD — Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
By Mike Pettinella Looking back at Scott Davis’ journey to recovery, it is clear to see that the Orange County native – and former Batavian – was ahead of his time. Davis took his first sip of alcohol at the age of 11, escalated his drug use to LSD and ecstasy in his...

Specialist urges ‘person-first approach’ to mitigate effects of substance use stigma
By Mike Pettinella Attitudes toward substance use disorder and words that reflect those attitudes can have a tremendous effect on the recovery process of those struggling with addiction. “Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace and that (disgrace) is a pretty powerful...

Columbia University official to share ways to reduce stigma of substance use disorder
By Mike Pettinella Diana Padilla, research project manager at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Substance Use Disorders, Columbia University Medical Center, will be the keynote speaker at a “Reducing Stigma in Our Communities” training in the...

Public safety, advocates come together to help others through PAARI program
By Mike Pettinella Deaths from drug overdoses, many of them involving fentanyl, are on the rise, and all neighborhoods – urban and rural – are at risk. Officials of public safety agencies and the health department in Genesee County say they are united in their effort...

GCASA salutes Dr. Baker, presents longevity awards
By Mike Pettinella Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse leadership and staff on Wednesday afternoon celebrated Dr. Bruce Baker’s many years of dedicated service to the agency. Chief Executive Officer John Bennett, at the organization’s annual...

GCASA hires Luke Granger as recovery services director
By Mike Pettinella Throughout a civilian and military career that includes nearly two decades outside of the United States, Luke Granger said he has made it his “mission” to help others. “Whether I’ve been working in full-time ministry, teaching in the military or...

Holiday spirit takes shape at The Recovery Station
By Mike Pettinella The creative juices were flowing on Thursday as a couple dozen folks, including staff members, participated in the “Ugly Sweater (or Shirt) Making & Contest” at The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road. The Recovery Station is a social...

Trunk or treat! The Recovery Station hosts family event
By Mike Pettinella Harry Rascoe (seated), director of The Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road, welcomes a variety of characters during this afternoon's Trunk or Treat event. Six vehicles -- trunks decorated with Halloween themes -- were stationed around the...

Health director: Opioid epidemic is an ‘urgent, serious’ issue in Orleans County
By Mike Pettinella The local public health director says there is no time to waste in the effort to combat the opioid epidemic in Orleans County. “The opioid epidemic has become a very urgent and serious public health and safety issue, and, without question, the...

‘Project Sticker Shock’ kicks off Red Ribbon Week
By Mike Pettinella Students from Batavia High and Notre Dame participated in “Project Sticker Shock” this morning to kick off Red Ribbon Week, the annual end-of-October alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign. Red Ribbon Week began...

Deadly fentanyl has law enforcement, local health professionals on high alert
By Mike Pettinella GCASA Publicist Those on the front lines in the battle against the opioid epidemic are unified in their message: Fentanyl is wreaking havoc across the United States, including right here in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. “We’re seeing the...

GCASA offering full slate of activities during September celebration of Recovery Month
By Mike Pettinella For someone in recovery, every sober day is cause for celebration. Still, it’s only fitting that the nation sets apart a time to honor those fighting their way back from substance use disorder and mental illness. “Although every day at The Recovery...

Transportation grant to enhance GCASA’s ‘road’ to recovery services
By Mike Pettinella With this two-year grant, GCASA literally is in a position to make the “road to recovery” much easier for residents in the tri-county area (Wyoming County is included). “This award will allow us to build upon what we already do in terms of...

Federal drug official calls for an ‘all-in’ approach to save those struggling with substance use disorder
By Mike Pettinella State and local human services agencies, supported by the federal government, must pool their services to fight the scourge of substance use disorder that resulted in 108,000 overdose deaths last year, according to the general counsel of the White...

Overdose Awareness Day speaker: Caring people provide hope for those struggling with addiction
By Mike Pettinella GCASA Publicist “My name is Jarett LoCicero and you can find me at the GCASA recovery center, helping out with services for those looking to be themselves, feel better and maybe even live their dreams.” That’s the way LoCicero, a Batavia resident,...

Human services agencies working together in effort to reunite women with their children
By Mike Pettinella GCASA Publicist Women in recovery who are seeking reunification with their children can be encouraged by the networking that exists among provider agencies in Western New York. That was the message conveyed last Thursday at the quarterly meeting of...

Sheila Harding named assistant director of prevention at GCASA
By Mike Pettinella With a track record of success as an advocate for youth, Sheila Harding is equipped to help facilitate drug and alcohol awareness programs as the assistant director of Prevention at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. “Sheila...
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Compassion
GCASA promotes an atmosphere of generosity, hope, empathy, respect, encouragement and empowerment.
Integrity
GCASA values behavior that promotes self-awareness, encourages honesty, balance, consistency, collaboration, and trust and utilizes humor, mutual respect and reciprocity of good will.
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GCASA serves residents of Genesee and Orleans counties, as well as the greater Western New York region, providing a full range of treatment, prevention and support options for individuals dealing with drug, alcohol or substance abuse. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, our agency relies on the support of local, state and federal agencies, as well as donations from community members and businesses like you. Make a tax-deductible donation today and help us continue to provide support and care to those in need right here in our region.
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