CHENANGO – Chenango County Community Mental Hygiene Services is pleased to announce that The Leatherstocking Education on Alcoholism/Addictions Foundation (LEAF) has joined the array of addiction and mental health service providers for Chenango County communities.

LEAF is funded by the New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and has been the premier addiction prevention agency in Otsego County since 1982, providing services in schools, with families, and in the communities. They bring their expertise and experience to enhance the work that is already being done in the county.

Many members of Chenango County communities are familiar with the LEAF staff. Rural counties often work together on projects as well as share programming across county lines. With that, the Director of Community Services, The Chenango Health Network, and the Chenango Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition are working closely with LEAF staff in order to determine how best to meet the needs of community with evidence-based prevention programming, educations, information, awareness and other activities.

Chenango County Director of Community Services Ruth Roberts said, "I am thrilled to welcome LEAF to Chenango County and believe they will greatly enhance our prevention and recovery efforts. LEAF has a solid history of working with community stakeholders and will certainly strengthen our substance abuse prevention work throughout Chenango County."

Director of the Chenango Health Network Kimberly Lorraine said, "Not only does LEAF bring 35-plus years of successful prevention work to our county, they bring an impeccable reputation for getting things done in an inclusive and respectful way. Chenango Health Network holds the Drug Free Communities grant through CDC for of the Chenango Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition. I believe that having LEAF in our community, our schools, and on our coalition will make the prevention work of CSAPC so much more cohesive."

Executive Director of LEAF Julie Dostal said, "We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with our longtime colleagues and neighbors in Chenango County. It is our hope to enhance and expand the already robust work that is being done to prevent the harms associated with substance use and addiction."

For more information contact Chenango County Director of Community Services Ruth Roberts at the at 607-337-1604.

- From the Chenango County Community Mental Hygiene Services