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ABOUT US

40 Years of Advocacy

Founded in 1984, we were originally named Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselors Board, Inc. Catchy name, right? This was 11 years before the first prescription opioid, 25 years before the heroin crisis, and almost 30 years before the fentanyl crisis.

 

We've seen a lot. And in that time, Ohio Citizen Advocates for Addiction Recovery has fought tirelessly for the rights of those in and seeking recovery. It is our privilege to speak out against the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction. 

 

OCAAR fights barriers to recovery, supports recovery services at every stage of the disease, educates the public to reduce stigma, shares best practices with peer supporters, builds and fosters communities for those in recovery, and educates legislators on what is needed.

 

As the only 501 (c)(3) nonprofit peer run advocacy organization in the state of Ohio, our staff, Board, and volunteers are dedicated to creating social change in Ohio.

Get involved! If we're going to move mountains, we could use you. 

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4,452

That's the number of unintentional overdoses in 2023.

It's down from 2022 (4,915), but we can do better. We have to.

Our Values

Diversity

OCAAR seeks out and considers diverse perspectives in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, profession, sexual orientation, and geography.  In order for OCAAR to continue being a peer run organization and provide an advocacy voice at the local, state, and national level, a diverse and inclusive atmosphere is the most important factor.  Diversity also corresponds to the belief that there are many pathways to and of recovery. 

 

Empowerment

OCAAR believes that a core part of the organization's duties is to empower individuals in recovery, as well as their friends and family to speak out.

 

Community

OCAAR participates in all levels of society.  Including the community in all aspects of our work is a fundamental characteristic to achieving our mission by allowing all members of society to be a part of the conversation.

 

Integrity

OCAAR serves as an honest, independent, and knowledgeable voice in the community represented by diverse interests.  In order to achieve our mission, we must be held to the highest of standards.

 

Compassion

OCAAR focuses on the most pressing health crisis facing our country today.  OCAAR encourages individuals seeking recovery through a compassionate environment of understanding and thoughtful and stimulating dialogue focused on potential solutions rather than debate.

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