OhioCAN's Annual Events
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Families and those impacted by addiction will participate in our annual “Steps of Change” to Educate, Empower and Embrace those living with substance use. They will bring attention to the shame and stigma associated with substance use, while advocating for more evidence based practices and treatment.
Each year, millions of people suffer from the disease of addiction and the majority of those who need treatment for do not receive it. Substance use disorders (SUD) are boundless; they affect every known race, demographic, and population regardless of existing socio-economic status. And statistics state that for each one affected by the disease, at least 5 family members are impacted. We know this number to be much higher.
Addiction is called "a family disease" for good reason. Families are in pain. By the time most families reach out for help, the disease has progressed to a crisis level. Families feel traumatized and overwhelmed; they've been lied to and betrayed. There are arguments and confrontations, slamming doors, and sleepless nights. Often, there's more serious trouble such as an accident, a lost job, or arrest.
Families need help in their own right. Steps of Change provides educational material and support agencies to help family members learn about the disease of addiction and how you've all been affected. With care and support, your family can work through the chaos you've experienced, understand how to set healthy boundaries, and begin to rebuild a trusting relationship with your loved one. Local counties host Steps of Change events, which include a variety of activities including walks, runs, ceremonies, health fairs, and balloon releases. Each county's program is different. Most groups will stage “Walk a Mile in my Shoes,” in which family members display a pair of shoes of those who continue to struggle or who have passed from the disease of addiction. The public is invited and children are encouraged to come!! OhioCAN has decided to give each county the opportunity to schedule the date of their local Steps of Change event. Watch for more updates and schedules as each plans their event to be more conducive to their county. This has always been one of our more educational and heartwarming events. Hope to see you this Spring!!
Families need help in their own right. Steps of Change provides educational material and support agencies to help family members learn about the disease of addiction and how you've all been affected. With care and support, your family can work through the chaos you've experienced, understand how to set healthy boundaries, and begin to rebuild a trusting relationship with your loved one. Local counties host Steps of Change events, which include a variety of activities including walks, runs, ceremonies, health fairs, and balloon releases. Each county's program is different. Most groups will stage “Walk a Mile in my Shoes,” in which family members display a pair of shoes of those who continue to struggle or who have passed from the disease of addiction. The public is invited and children are encouraged to come!! OhioCAN has decided to give each county the opportunity to schedule the date of their local Steps of Change event. Watch for more updates and schedules as each plans their event to be more conducive to their county. This has always been one of our more educational and heartwarming events. Hope to see you this Spring!!
Overdose Awareness Day has been a key remembrance event for those who have died from fatal drug overdoses since 2001.
Time to Remember, Time to ActThere are countless ways to take action on International Overdose Awareness Day, from wearing a wristband in a show of solidarity to participating in Narcan training to learn how to reverse an overdose. You can participate in a way that is most meaningful to (or comfortable for) you, whether it’s online or in a community-wide event. Educate yourself about drug overdose: It’s important to accurately recognize, and react accordingly to, a drug overdose. When someone overdoses on opioids, or another drug, they may be unresponsive to stimuli, have a shallow breath, blue lips or fingertips and may make gurgling or snoring sounds. If you see these signs, ensure their airway is clear and call 911 immediately. If the person has overdosed on an opioid (e.g., heroin, Oxycontin, etc.) and you have access to Narcan, give them one dose while on the phone with the emergency operator.Share helpful overdose information on social media: The International Overdose Awareness Day website offers a variety of free, downloadable resources for anyone to print or share on social media. These include fact sheets, logo assets, posters and infographics, among other resources. Post a tribute in remembrance of a loved one: Celebrating the life of someone you lost to a drug overdose is a great way to participate in International Overdose Awareness Day. You can write an online tribute to your loved one, post photos of them on social media or share fond memories of them with other close family and friends to honor their memory. Attend an event in your area: To participate in a commemorative activity in your area, search International Overdose Awareness Day events listed by state. Events range from candlelight vigils and memorial walks to harm reduction seminars and Narcan (naloxone) training.
Obtain Narcan, if it’s available near you: In many regions of the United States that are severely impacted by overdose deaths, civilians may be able to purchase Narcan through a national pharmacy chain, like CVS or Walgreens, without a prescription. Depending on your community’s specific events, public Narcan training may also be available on International Overdose Awareness Day.
Overdose Awareness Day also presents an opportunity to help the wider community understand that drug overdose is a social issue and no one is immune to drug harm.