Niagara County announces 'Inspire a Well Niagara' campaign

Submitted by the Public Information Office 

In preparation for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (NCDMH) Deputy Director Myrla Gibbons Doxey announced the launch of the “Inspire a Well Niagara” campaign in partnership with the Community Network of Care (CNOC) for Children & Families in Niagara County and the Niagara County Opioid Task Force public awareness subcommittee, both of which she co-chairs.

The campaign seeks to have community members submit their own unique, encouraging, uplifting and hopeful messages via the Survey Monkey link below to be included in a daily push notification to Well Niagara app users. Community members who submit messages can choose whether or not to have their name included with their message. Submitted messages will begin to appear on the Well Niagara app beginning in May.

“We hope to collect at least 365 inspirational messages – one for each day of the year,” Gibbons Doxey said. “Words can have a powerful impact on our psyche. A simple, positive message delivered to your phone from someone in your community can really make a difference. It may just be the one that gives someone the hope they need to keep going that day.”

 “This is a community engagement campaign that provides an opportunity to come together to support one another through words of encouragement and strength,” said Laura Kelemen, NCDMH director of community services. “It is important to continue supporting individuals who may be struggling and inspire them to find or stay on their path to wellness. Every person matters.”

“Whatever someone may be dealing with – a physical health, mental health, substance use or other life concern – it can isolate individuals, leaving them feeling alone in their struggles,” said Becky Wydysh, chairwoman of the Niagara County Legislature and chair of the Niagara County OASIS (Opioid) Task Force. “It is our goal to let people know that they are not alone, are surrounded by a community who cares, and that ‘There is Help; There is Hope. Recovery is Possible!’ ”

To submit a message that may be used in a push notification on the Well Niagara app, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/InspireAWellNiagara.

To download the free Well Niagara app, search Well Niagara in the Google Play or App Store. To learn more about the app, you may also visit https://www.wellniagara.niagaracounty.com/.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, call the Niagara County Crisis Services 24-hour phone line for free, confidential support, guidance, information, referral and interventions as needed at 716-285-3515 or 988.