40 YEARS OF ADVOCACY
TURN UP THE VOLUME
OCAAR mobilizes Ohio’s recovery community to break down barriers to recovery and advocate for recovery services in all of Ohio’s counties. OCAAR educates the public to reduce stigma, shares best practices with peer supporters, builds and fosters communities of recovery, and advocates to decision makers on the policies that impact our community.
OCAAR has been the voice for recovery since 1984, raising public awareness and working to mobilize Ohio’s recovery community. 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 substance use disorders are eliminated.
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Policy decisions are based on the medical model of SUD and are informed by individuals and their friends and families who have been impacted by substance use disorders.
Turn up the volume with us.
WHAT WE DO
Raise Public Awareness: Advocate for recovery as a process and a right, combating stigma and misinformation.
Empower Voices: Empower individuals in recovery to share their stories and build solidarity.
Policy Efforts: Educate decision makers at the local, state, and federal levels on policies that protect and promote the rights of people in recovery.
Support Networks: Build communities of support for recovery community organizations and collegiate recovery communities.
Access to Treatment: Advocate for insurance coverage of SUD treatment as it does other medical treatment services.
Access to Non-Clinical Supports: Support and promote access to recovery support services, housing, education, and employment programs for people in recovery from substance use disorders.
Cultural Congruence: Address the unique needs of diverse populations within recovery communities, including racial, ethnic, gender, and LGBTQ+ groups.
Advocacy Training: Empower Ohio’s recovery community with the tools and skills to become self-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 are encouraging, and we're proud to have played our part in those wins. OCAAR’s advocacy is informed by Ohio’s recovery community through town hall listening sessions, advocacy caucuses, and OCAAR’s annual Recovering People’s Convention. Interested in joining our work? Visit the Get Involved page!
RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES
Research shows that an individual’s involvement in recovery support services through their 5th year of recovery results in an 85% reduction of risk of relapse. Recovery support services like Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) and Peer Support provide assistance to communities across the state. In fact, RCOs are a proven, evidence-based strategy in combatting the addiction epidemic. By investing in recovery supports, we keep people healthy. OCAAR fights for the availability and sustainability of recovery supports services across all of Ohio’s counties.
PEER SUPPORT WORKFORCE
Peer supporters are people who have been successful in the recovery process, who help others experiencing similar situations. Ohio has three types of peer supporter certification: Adult, Family, and Youth/Young Adult. Peer support is a critical component in the continuum of care. OCAAR fights for the rights of Ohio’s peer support workforce, advocating for career ladders, fair pay, benefits, and healthy environments for our peer support workforce to thrive.
PARITY
We have the right to have our health insurance cover addiction treatment as it does other medical treatment. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was passed in 2008 to prohibit discriminatory insurance coverage for those seeking treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness. The parity requires equitable coverage of SUD and mental health benefits in both the public and private health insurance market. Yet, insurers still do not comply with the law and enforcement has been inadequate.
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.
