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Family Coordinator

Support for Families Impacted by Substance Use

What is a Family Coordinator

A Family Coordinator supports, guides and empowers families and loved ones impacted by substance use.

  • No judgment just support
  • Every family’s journey is different
  • When you just need someone to listen- we are here
  • Responding to Addiction Training
  • Listening Sessions
  • Community Tabling Events
  • Safety First Training
  • Resources and support
  • Tools for healthy communication and boundary setting
  • Managing crisis with harm reduction strategies

For more information email Zachary.Kay@erie.gov.

Printable Flyer: Support for Families Impacted by Substance Use

Note: This is a printable flyer version of the Support for Families Impacted by Substance Use section of this page. For accessibility, please see the information on this page.

Preview of printable flyer version of "Support for Families Impacted by Substance Use". Contains text on "What is a family coordinator?" with ECDOH logo, and illustrated images of a narcan/naloxone dispenser, a house with a family and heart inside, and people connected by nodes with a heart.

Listening Sessions

These sessions offer a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space for families and loved ones of people who use drugs. Participants can share their experiences, connect with others who understand, and access helpful resources. Whether you want to speak or simply listen, you’ll find compassion, community, and support.

Erie County Behavioral Health Services Dashboard

Erie County Behavioral Health Services Dashboard

Family and Loved Ones Events

Resources for Families

Helping families navigate substance use with compassion and care. 

You are not alone. Support is here every step of the way. 

The Family Coordinator connects loved ones with support, guidance, and hope. Families can access: 

  • Crisis Help – 988 and local/national hotlines 
  • Family Support – listening sessions, Linkages to peer led groups, and better understanding as to how to navigate your response to substance use  
  • Treatment & Safety – Narcan, fentanyl test strips, referrals through multiple agencies  
  • Community Help – food, housing, legal aid, job readiness 
  • Grief & Healing – groups, and bereavement services 
  • Education & Advocacy – toolkits, trainings, and ways to get involved 

Compassion Connections WNY

Contact

Family Coordinator:

Zachary Kay
716-858-2170
Zachary.Kay@erie.gov

Erie County Department of Health
Office of Harm Reduction
95 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-7695
Fax: (716) 858-7690
Email: Harm.reduction@erie.gov

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