NCDOH announces new smartphone app: Well Niagara

Submitted by the Public Information Office

The Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, in partnership with the Community Network of Care (CNOC) for Children & Families in Niagara County, is excited to announce the release of a new smartphone application. This app will serve as an innovative way for the department to connect with Niagara County residents, quickly providing information and resources to anyone with a smartphone.

“As someone who have long supported the great work of our Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services team, I am very excited with today’s launch of the new smartphone app,” said Becky Wydysh, chairwoman of the Niagara County Legislature. “I thank everyone who worked so hard to create a tool that can provide immediate access to the services people need, especially if they are in crisis.”

“We are committed to our mission and seeing it come to fruition,” said Myrla Gibbons Doxey, NCDMH deputy director and CNOC chair. “We listened, and we are responding to the people in Niagara County who are requesting increased visibility and an understanding of how to access the array of services, supports and resources available in Niagara County.”

CNOC’s Advisory Council is comprised of cross-system leaders, family and peer advocates who have been pivotal in this app’s development.

"The development of a ‘Well App’ is a great example of our county connecting to people in an innovative and progressive manner," said Mark Laurrie, Niagara Falls School District superintendent.

 “People in crisis may not be in a frame of mind that allows them the time to search the Internet for help,” said Dr. Ronald Barstys, director of special programs at Orleans Niagara BOCES, “This app provides that vital assistance, literally, at the tip of their finger.”

The Well Niagara app was developed by ThePublicHealthApp.com, a brand of OCV, which specializes in mobile app development for health departments and public safety organizations across the country. The app offers quick access to items of public interest and is easy to use. In just a few clicks, users can access features such as:

√ Call for help 

√ Text for help 

√ My safety plan 

√ 24-hour crisis services 

√ Suicide prevention 

√ Counseling 

√ Community services 

√ Basic needs 

√ Narcan 

√ Training & events 

√ Maps 

√ Harm reduction 

√ Peace & calm

WATCH:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9ufzd1jtJE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

"The strength of a community's mental health is intricately linked to the vitality of its public health. The availability of the Well Niagara app will be a powerful tool to connect individuals with resources and support, further bridging the gap between public health initiatives and mental wellness," said Tracy Fricano Chalmers, director of public health planning and emergency preparedness for the Niagara County Department of Health. 

“This is just the beginning,” said Laura Kelemen, NCDMH director. “We’ll continue to solicit feedback and community input so that we can continue to enhance the app to meet the needs of people in Niagara County.”

The community can provide feedback on the app at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WellNiagaraApp. 

The app is available for download for free in the App Store and Google Play. Search “Well Niagara” or click here to download the app. Also, COMING SOON is the corresponding Well Niagara webpage for those who prefer to view the information on a computer or who may not have access to a smartphone.

Stay tuned for more information.