"Chalk the Walk" returns next week to Elk and Cameron counties

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc (ADASI), which oversees programs in Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter Counties, hopes to spread hope next Friday, May 14, across the region.

During National Prevention Week, the annual national health observance focused on increasing the prevention of substance use and the promotion of mental health, Friday, May 14 is set aside as Suicide Prevention Day.

Beginning at 3 p.m. at the St. Marys Benzinger Park, "Chalk The Walk" will circle to five different communities in the county, bringing positive messages of hope to those dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues.

-St. Marys Benzinger

Park 3-4 p.m.

-Emporium-Cameron County Chamber of Com

merce 4-5 p.m.

-Johnsonburg Community Center 5:30-6 p.m.

-Ridgway-Elk County Courthouse Sidewalk 6:15-6:45 p.m.

-Wilcox Ball Field 7:30-8 p.m.

Kids, parents, and anyone interested is encouraged to break out that sidewalk chalk early this year and help send some great messages out to friends and neighbors who may be struggling silently with suicidal thoughts or addiction issues. Volunteers will be on-site at every location, and ADASI staff can provide information about their services to anyone interested.

ADASI facilitates direct treatment services with abuse prevention, early intervention, case management, recovery support, outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and adult residential treatment services for residents of Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter Counties.

Additional contracts are in place with surrounding single county authorities for services provided at Maple Manor, the in-patient treatment facility located in Bradford.