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Columbiana

Brenda, a Co-Founder of OhioCAN has lived with substance use in the family for many years. She sought out support from others when both of her children were in the heights of their addiction. She has been the County Coordinator since May of 2014 and serves as current President. Brenda hosted the first Steps of Change Event in May of 2014 in Columbiana County. She is a sought-after public speaker and brings the family voice with years of experience, compassion and professionalism..
Throughout the years Brenda has continued to host Steps of Change which now is a community wide event with sponsorship by numerous community agencies, grass root organizations and guest speakers. Brenda also hosts "Stuff a Cruiser" in partnership with Salem Police Department each November providing Christmas toys and gifts to many children within the county. Hundreds of community members drop off donated gifts for those in need. The gifts are then gift wrapped and arrive just in time for the holidays. The annual Easter Egg Hunt and participation in Trunk or Treat has brought smiles to many children and their families throughout the year. The costume theme for Trunk or Treat is always elaborate with many community members helping out. And the Easter Bunny always delivers eggs and candy during the annual visit. Columbiana County was the first county to implement the Blessing Bag Project in which donated items are bagged and passed out to those in need. Bags have been provided to detox facilities, recovery houses, the homeless population and families in need for Thanksgiving, Christmas and throughout the year.

Steps of Change

Steps of Change is our event to recognize and remember those lost to overdose. A mile walk is conducted along the path of shoes all tagged with the name, age and date of loved ones lost in Columbiana County due to substance use/mental health. Guest speakers and local agency information tables are available at the event. This is a free event open to the public.

Blessing Bags

One of the greatest gifts you can give to someone in need is personal hygiene items and food to nourish their bodies. Begin by picking up items that will satisfy this area in their life first. Simple items like shampoo, a razor, deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, a bar of soap, and tissues are great items to keep on hand.Food like granola bars, crackers with peanut butter, trail mixes, dried fruits, and a bottle of water are also great items to tuck into your bags. If you have the funds, small denominator gift cards (we did $5 Walmart gift cards) can also be great to give so that they can pick up a meal or item(s) they might need. Reach out to Brenda and help those in Columbiana County through your generosity and kindness.

Overdose Awareness

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held on August 31 each year and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died or had a permanent injury as a result of drug overdose.

Stuff A Cruiser

Salem Police Patrolman Mike Garber, president of Quaker Lodge Fraternal Order of Police 88, which co-sponsors the Stuff A Cruiser event with the Salem Police Department, OhioCAN Change Addiction Now Columbiana County and the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office. Area residents can help Columbiana County families in need by shopping at Walmart and stuffing a police cruiser with donations of new toys and new clothing. A shopping list is provided to people to use as a guide for what to purchase. The event is done in conjunction with Columbiana County Children Services for families they’re serving and families caring for children in foster care. They find out what the children want and the list is given to the police through OhioCAN and Brenda Hamilton.

Trunk or Treat Easter Egg Hunts

Columbiana County is always involved with the events based around children. Whether it be Halloween, Easter, Christmas or just a meet up with Mickey and Minnie, the children's smiles are a priority!! All events are FREE and open to the public.

OhioCAN's Polar Express

Every child deserves a chance at living in a home that is free of substance abuse issues and dangers. A common myth regarding addiction is that it only affects the person addicted, no one else. However, addiction not only affects the user themselves but everyone surrounding them. Currently, throughout the United States, there are twenty million children experiencing physical, verbal, and emotional abuse at the hands of parents who are struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.Across the nation, 4% of all kids — more than 2.65 million children — are in kinship care. In this arrangement, relatives raise kids when their parents cannot care for them. Nina's Closet is there to help the families with clothing, personal items, toys and a shoulder to lean on. At no cost to you.