CAUCUS GROUPS
Progress is found in a diversity of voices.
Individuals with lived experience have joined OCAAR in focused groups that help shape our organizations policies and define our advocacy. By leveraging their collective influence, resources, and expertise we are able to create change in Ohio. These groups collaborate, strategize, and advocate making them a dynamic force in policy sculpting.
Each group is dynamic and ever changing. We need your voice! If you are ready to commit your time and talent, consider joining a caucus group that fits your interests. We are always looking for individuals not just with expertise, but also with lived experience ensuring that specific perspectives or interests are represented. As we say, nothing about us without us!
All submissions are reviewed and admission is decided by OCAAR. We may reach out to learn more about you and your interests / experience.
DECRIMINALIZING ADDICTION
Decriminalizing addiction shifts the focus from punishment to treatment, recognizing substance use disorders as health issues rather than criminal acts. This approach aims to reduce stigma, improve access to support services, and lower incarceration rates for non-violent drug offenses.
Evidence from countries like Portugal shows that decriminalization can lead to fewer overdoses, increased treatment participation, and reduced societal costs. By addressing addiction through a public health lens, decriminalization fosters compassion and prioritizes rehabilitation over punitive measures.
EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT
People with substance use disorders (SUDs) have the right to education and employment opportunities free from discrimination. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect individuals in recovery or undergoing treatment, ensuring they are not unfairly excluded from schools, workplaces, or job opportunities.
Access to education and fair employment practices empowers people with SUDs to rebuild their lives, fostering independence and stability. Promoting these rights helps reduce stigma, supports recovery, and benefits society by enabling individuals to contribute their skills and talents.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Ohio and its laws often fail to adequately support families in the addiction recovery process, leaving many without the resources they need to help their loved ones. Laws also make it too easy to separate families. Limited access to affordable counseling, family therapy, and educational programs can prevent families from understanding addiction or contributing effectively to recovery.
Policies frequently focus on the individual struggling with substance use disorder while overlooking the broader family dynamics that influence recovery. Expanding legal and agency support for family-based interventions and resources is essential to creating a comprehensive framework for addiction recovery that includes the needs of families.
HOUSING
People with substance use disorders (SUDs) often face significant challenges in securing stable housing, which is crucial for their recovery. Stigma associated with addiction can lead to discrimination from landlords and housing providers, making it difficult for individuals to find suitable accommodations. Many rental applications require background checks that may reveal past substance-related offenses, further complicating the search for housing.
Additionally, individuals in recovery may struggle with financial instability due to job loss or limited employment opportunities, which can hinder their ability to afford rent. Without access to safe and supportive housing, individuals with SUDs are at a higher risk of relapse and instability, underscoring the need for policies that promote housing equity and support for those in recovery.
RECOVERY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Supporting Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) through policy initiatives is essential for fostering effective recovery solutions for individuals with substance use disorders. RCOs provide vital resources, peer support, and advocacy, creating a sense of community that is crucial for sustaining long-term recovery.
By implementing policies that allocate funding, promote collaboration, and enhance access to recovery services, governments can empower these organizations to expand their reach and impact.
Strengthening RCOs also helps to raise awareness about addiction, reduce stigma, and advocate for the rights of individuals in recovery. Ultimately, supporting RCOs through thoughtful policy initiatives can lead to healthier communities and improved outcomes for those affected by addiction.
PEER SUPPORT
Supporting Certified Peer Supporters through policy initiatives and higher wages is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of recovery services. These individuals play a crucial role in the recovery process by providing guidance, empathy, and shared experiences to those struggling with substance use disorders. By implementing policies that ensure fair compensation, we can attract and retain skilled peer supporters, acknowledging their expertise and the invaluable support they offer.
Competitive wages not only improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover but also elevate the status of peer support as a professional career path. Additionally, investing in training and resources for peer supporters enhances their capacity to help others, ultimately leading to better recovery outcomes and healthier communities.
Supporting Certified Peer Supporters through targeted policies and improved wages reflects a commitment to effective, compassionate care for individuals in recovery.
