"Young children are our future citizens. The earlier we prevent, identify and help with challenges, the better outcomes are for Chautauqua County.”

-Tariq Khan, MD, Founder, Southern Tier Pediatrics

"If we develop this type of maternal/early childhood system, we're going to save lives. In this time of the pandemic, the need for Strong Starts Chautauqua is greater than ever."

-Ira J. Chasnoff, MD, National Child Development Expert and Strong Starts Chautauqua Medical Advisor

“Our hope with Strong Starts is that we will see reduction rates of fetal death, pre-term delivery, low birth weight, NICU stays—and stronger family stability.”

-Leanna Luka Conley, Chautauqua County Deputy Commissioner of Child, Adult & Family Services

"I have rarely worked with such a committed group as Strong Starts Chautauqua. It is a sight to behold seeing barriers, competition and silo work melt away by people coming together to try their hardest to make Chautauqua County a better and healthier place to live."

-Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney, Former Medical Director and VP of Medical Affairs, WCA Hospital

Pictured from left to right are: Elizabeth Witherspoon, Steven Cobb, Dorothy Carlson, Allison Murphy, Bethany Vanderburg, Jessica Crooks

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua provides community-based peer supports.   Peers work with Strong Starts participants from a foundational point of shared recovery and provide the hope, inspiration and figuratively, the glue that holds things together, while continuing to walk the path of recovery.