Membership
Niagara Falls Health Equity Task Force
The Niagara Falls Health Equity Task Force is made up of about 30 executive leaders and community organizations who have been meeting since June 2020 to discuss community barriers and solutions to health equity issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic has evolved, we have broadened our priorities to focus on a variety of health, economic, and social needs of our community with the goal of building pathways to equitable health and wellness across Niagara County.
Niagara County Community Services Agencies
This group of community service providers meets on a monthly basis to share information and resources amongst members about programs, services, and events that impact Niagara County residents.
Niagara County Workforce Development Board
The Niagara County Workforce Development Board (WDB) sets policy for the local workforce development system, serving the universal population of both job seekers and business. The WDB is directly responsible to determine how best use local WIOA funds. Funds can be used to provide services to individuals seeking employment through linkages to job openings, services and training programs.
The WDB conducts oversight with respect to local employment and training activities, the one-stop delivery system in the local area, and local programs of youth activities, in partnership with the chief elected officials:
- Negotiates local performance measures
- Certifies the One-Stop Operator and conducts oversight
- Coordinates the workforce investment activities with economic development strategies
- Identifies providers of training and labor market services
- Awards contracts to certified service providers
- Develops a local plan
- Promotes private sector employer participation in all workforce activities
The goal of the Workforce Development System is to increase the employment, retention and earnings of participants, and increase occupational skill attainment by participants, and, as a result improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation.
Niagara County Suicide Prevention Coalition
The mission of the Niagara County Suicide Prevention Coalition is to develop and implement suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies through public education, access to services, as well as to promote awareness, and provide support to our residents.
Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition
Why would some of the most prominent mental health groups and community thought leaders in Western New York invest their time, money and energy for one singular purpose? Because we think that life depends on it. The Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition was formed to stop the stigma surrounding mental health. We’re doing it by creating a community conversation where people can share their stories, their struggles, and their successes with each other. Through our efforts, we hope that people dealing with mental health challenges will know they are not alone, help is available and recovery is possible.
What is Stigma?
Isolation. Discrimination. Shame. Embarrassment. Often the biggest challenges people with mental illnesses face aren’t their illnesses at all. The stigma—or negative feelings, attitudes and stereotypes—that surround mental health can make getting help scary and leading a fulfilling life difficult. Stigma prevents people from seeking help. It restricts resources from being allocated. And it discourages others from lending their support.
One of the best ways to stop the stigma is to learn more about mental illness. Separating the truth from the stigma can help increase awareness, understanding and acceptance for those living with mental health challenges. Get the facts and spread the word.
For more information, visit https://letstalkstigma.org/