Last month, Cordata’s O2SL and QRT National brought their nationally recognized, two-day Deflection Academy to Chautauqua County in partnership with Sheriff James Quattrone’s “CARES Program.”

This initiative aims to foster a multi-sector, county-wide response to substance use disorders (SUDs) by bridging law enforcement, behavioral health, and community organizations to improve access, timeliness, and quality of care for individuals and families affected by SUDs.

The CARES Program, or Chautauqua Comprehensive Addiction Response and Evaluation System, is a Sheriff’s Office initiative designed to increase the number of residents accessing SUD services while reducing recidivism rates in the criminal justice system. On November 10 and 11, nearly 30 professionals from public safety, public health, and community organizations across New York and the Chautauqua region gathered at Jamestown Community College to participate in the training.

Led by Scott Allen, Cordata’s Deflection Academy principal instructor, and supported by experts Michael Owens, a retired Ohio law enforcement executive, and Nan Franks (M.A., LPC, LICDC), a behavioral health professional with nearly four decades of experience, the academy offered a comprehensive introduction to deflection, pre-arrest diversion, and community safety and wellbeing (CSWB) strategies.

Sheriff Quattrone and Chautauqua CARES Coordinator Vito Randazzo welcomed the attendees, who represented a wide range of organizations, including:

— Law Enforcement: Chautauqua Sheriff’s Office, Ellicott Police, and New York State Police

— Health and Behavioral Services: Department of Mental Hygiene, UPMC Chautauqua, and The Resource Center

— Community Organizations: Acacia Safe Point Lighthouse, CARES, and Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.

— Educational Institutions: Jamestown Community College and Erie 2 BOCES

The Deflection Academy, co-certified for law enforcement and behavioral health professionals, provides essential training in deflection, pre-arrest diversion, CSWB, and social health strategies. Participants gained insight into nationally recognized deflection pathways and learned how public safety teams can collaborate effectively with public health and community organizations to create sustainable, non-arrest pathways to recovery.

“These models are transforming communities across the United States,” said Scott Allen. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Sheriff Quattrone and his team to bring this training to Chautauqua County. The energy and collaboration we’ve seen here are inspiring, and we look forward to supporting their efforts as they continue to innovate and strengthen their approach to community safety and well-being.”

For more information about Cordata, O2SL, or QRT National, please visit https://o2sl.com/ and https://www.cordatahealth.com/