Niagara County announces 'Project ART-C'

Submitted by the Public Information Office

Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (NCDMH) Deputy Director Myrla Gibbons Doxey announced the launch of “Project ART-C” (Art Restores Transforms and Connects) in partnership with the Niagara County OASIS (Opioid) task force public awareness/involvement subcommittee, which she chairs.

Niagara County community members on a recovery journey of any kind are invited to participate by creating an original, uncolored, hand-drawing or digitally designed unique piece of artwork that reflects what recovery looks like to them – and then submitting the piece to NCDMH.

NCDMH, along with members of the subcommittee, will review submissions and choose those that meet the guidelines to compile them into a booklet. The booklet will incorporate thought-provoking questions included under each art piece and, on the opposite page, a different community agency's contact information will be listed to help share information about available local resources and ways in which people can connect to them.

“Our vision for Project ART-C is to pair recovery-focused art together with local resources in a booklet that will be made available to our community members in printed and digital copies for use,” Gibbons Doxey said. “Art not only provides people a way to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences, but it can also be a conduit for healing, inner transformation and connecting with others in an imaginative way.”

The overall goal of Project ART-C is to engage the community in a creative manner; encourage dialogue and reflection, particularly in the context of recovery; familiarize individuals with the array of community services available; and to promote effective communication, healthy personal expression, and the power of choice.

“With substance abuse and drug overdoses devastating our community, claiming lives and relationships in so many ways, Project ART-C is an innovative way the community can take action to positively impact this public health matter,” said Laura Kelemen, NCDMH director. “This approach may help someone take the next step in making a first contact with a community resource of their choosing, encourage introspection, or opening the door to more communication with a loved one. All of these are important steps in a recovery journey.”

The Project ART-C submission information, guidelines and release form can be downloaded at https://cms5.revize.com/revize/niagaracounty/Document_center/News/Project%20ART%20C%20Guidelines%20and%20Release%20Form%20fillable.pdf. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 31.

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. There is Help; There Hope. Recovery is Possible!