GCASA Blog

By Mike Pettinella The executive director of a local substance use prevention and treatment agency is hailing today’s announcement that four major pharmaceutical distributors are close to an agreement to pay out $26 billion to states and municipalities for their roles...

By Mike Pettinella Leaders of the Public Safety Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative in Genesee County have been informed that Allie Hunter, PAARI’s national executive director, will be coming to Batavia to speak at Tuesday’s event showcasing the participation...

By Mike Pettinella Acknowledging that she is at the starting line, longtime Batavia City Schools administrator Julia Rogers says she has great expectations for the district’s new Batavia Community School program. “I think the biggest thing is that we want to get our...

By Mike Pettinella Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and the Batavia Community Schools initiative are joining forces to present a “School’s Out for Summer!” informational fair from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at The Recovery Station at 5256 Clinton...

By Mike Pettinella While preserving the historical integrity of a stately home built 140 years ago, the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has advanced its mission to helping those in recovery by opening up five permanent housing apartments. And...

By Mike Pettinella The executive director of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse said he feels fortunate that the agency’s detoxification building project on its campus at 430 East Main St. has yet to hit any major supply delays and excited about...

By Mike Pettinella Two senior class members from Charles D’Amico High School in Albion and one from Pavilion Central School were honored with Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Foundation scholarships today during the organization’s annual...

By Mike Pettinella Added to the list of programs offered by Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse last September, the GCASA Reentry Program continues to provide support to men and women seeking to find their place in the community after being...

Organization moves ahead with expanded services, key capital projects By Mike Pettinella ALBION – The Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is excited about the construction of a 25-bed women’s residence to be located in Albion. John Bennett, GCASA...

By Mike Pettinella As more people get vaccinated and, hopefully, as the COVID-19 infection rate continues to subside, the executive director at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is increasingly optimistic that all of the agency’s services soon...

By Mike Pettinella Ask any of Amy Klos’ coworkers or supervisors and they’ll all say the same thing when it comes to the 21-year employee’s job performance at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse: She’s the one that holds things together. “Amy is...

By Mike Pettinella When it comes to commitment and dedication to battling opioid addiction in rural areas, the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force shines brightly. That’s the viewpoint of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, which has...

By Mike Pettinella The GOW Opioid Task Force, in conjunction with the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments, has released a new “Linkage to Care” online application to help citizens connect with support centers for opioid rehabilitation and training in...

By Mike PettinellaJohn (last name withheld) is a 50-year-old long distance truck driver who has been out of work for some time due to a 20-year addiction to alcohol.He’s also someone who has found renewed hope and strength toward living the remainder of his days in...

By Mike Pettinella The Prevention Educators at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse have joined forces with the agency’s Certified Peer Recovery Advocates, thus adding another essential element in their quest to reduce underage drinking, smoking...

By Mike Pettinella Developing and implementing a program that focuses on the individual’s needs and goals while reducing the stigma of addiction serve to motivate and inspire the managers and staff of treatment and residential services at Genesee/Orleans Council on...

By Mike Pettinella: “Let Us Help You Find Your Way.” This clearly worded slogan printed at the top of the 4- by 9-inch flyer introducing the GCASA Reentry Program provides an all-to-often and much-needed message of hope for men and women returning to the community...

By Mike Pettinella: For far too long, substance use disorder services have focused on treatment, with prevention and intervention providing complementary support. At Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, programs and practices for aftercare – or...