40 YEARS OF ADVOCACY
TURN UP THE VOLUME
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 educate legislators on what is needed.
We have been the voice for recovery since 1984, raising public awareness and working to change our fellow Ohioan's perceptions of substance abuse disorder. Here's what we're fighting for:
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Every citizen in the state of Ohio has access to recovery support services throughout the lifespan of the disease.
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Barriers to recovery resulting from the stigma and discrimination associated with addiction are eliminated.
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Policy decisions are based on the medical model of addiction and are informed by individuals and their friends and families who have been impacted by addiction.
Turn up the volume with us. A closed mouth never gets fed!
WHAT WE DO
Raise Public Awareness: Advocate for the understanding of recovery as a process and a right, combating stigma and misinformation.
Empower Voices: Encourage individuals in recovery to share their stories, to reduce stigma and build solidarity.
Policy Efforts: We educate local, state, and federal representatives on policies that protect and promote the rights of individuals in recovery.
Support Networks: Build and sustain peer support groups and recovery communities to provide mutual aid and encouragement.
Healthcare Access: Advocate for affordable, high-quality addiction treatment services.
Holistic Support: Support and promote access to housing, education, and employment programs tailored to those in recovery.
Shift Narratives: Promote perspectives that recognize individuals in recovery as valuable members of society.
Cultural Congruence: Address the unique needs of diverse populations within recovery communities, including racial, ethnic, gender, and LGBTQ+ groups.
Advocacy Training: Equip others with the tools and skills to become self-advocates or peer advocates.
Ripples of hope
can become a wave of change.
OUR PROJECTS
We've been fighting for recovery rights for 40 years. Some of the current trends in addiction are encouraging, and we're proud to have played our part in those wins.
But now is not the time to quit. The progress we've made can quickly be lost. Join us in fight of and for our lives.
HARM REDUCTION
The state of Ohio understands the many benefits of harm reduction in managing our addiction crisis, but some counties and local municipalities don't share that view. OCAAR is working to educate stakeholders and decision-makers on the value of preserving every human life and the positive outcomes harm reduction strategies have demonstrated nationwide.
PRESERVE MEDICAID
The new federal administration has indicated their interest in cutting Medicaid. States, including Ohio, are looking at employment requirements for recipients. We have a lot of work ahead to make sure our state and federal representatives understand the necessity of funding programs that help persons with substance abuse disorder find the treatment and recovery services they need.
Medicaid pays for treatment for many Ohioans in need. If we lose this, we lose neighbors, friends, and family.
RECOVER OUT LOUD
Success stories show the world that recovery is possible and worth fighting for. Each year, OCAAR celebrates these champions with a spring luncheon. We will honor an individual in recovery from substance use disorder who has given back to Ohio’s recovery community by sharing their recovery out loud.
