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Patricia (Trish) Perry is from Newark, Ohio. She is the Licking County Leader for OhioCAN (Change Addiction Now).
"I am a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I began this journey known now as Substance Use Disorder with my son (Billy) 10 years ago. At a Labor Day grill out, his girlfriend told me he was shooting heroin. I did not know where to go or what to do."
"Needless to say, I did not find any support, anywhere. I have lost many family members and friends who did not want to understand this illness. The word "choice, enabling and co-dependent always entered into the conversation.
I have tried to love my son into recovery, beg him, threaten him, tough love him, and even have him arrested. Now I just accept it and love him for who he is. I support him and I will never give up on him. I have watched many of his friends pass and I do not want to be that mother who has regrets for our last conversation. I have allowed this to consume me for years, but now I am an advocate for harm reduction. I understand the importance of meeting those with substance use where they are at and not leaving them there. That compassion and education often bring change.
Today I carry Narcan and have access to fentanyl testing strips and clean syringes. I now accept what I cannot change. I advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I speak at the Ohio State House when there are bills that pertain to addiction and recovery. I have worked with the local police department to set up and implement the initiative from the PARRI program. I work with various local agencies to educate the community. Education is part of the solution. I work with various local agencies to embrace and educate the community. I am co coordinator of The Newark Homeless Outreach, where I can give out resources to those seeking a place to live or help with their substance use. Whether it be a warm meal, a change of clothes or just a kind word, we are there with outreached arms and a smile. As long as someone has breath in them- I will do everything in my power to help them stay alive. Addiction is a family disease."
Licking County has hosted Steps of Change, Overdose Awareness events, participated in the GOP event in Cleveland and were there as Unite to Face Addiction stopped the silence in Washington DC. in 2015. I have testified numerous times in Columbus on various issues regarding substance use and policy. We look forward to fighting for Harm Reduction in our county and will not stop until those fighting the hardest battle are treated without shame and stigma and given the chances they so badly deserve.

Steps of Change 2024

We are so grateful for the support of our corporate partners, who are committed to helping people, strengthening families and building stronger, healthier and safer communities. Together, we are helping make a difference in the lives of so many.

Overdose Awareness Day

Overdose Awareness Day, August 31 presents an opportunity to help the wider community understand that drug overdose is a social issue and no one is immune to drug harm. The event intends to reinforce the idea that no one need feel shame or disgrace at the death of someone from drug overdose.

Steps of Change

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. Licking County hosts the Steps of Change event, which includes 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!!
Meeting people where they are, serving everyone with dignity and respect. We started out as two moms doing a coat drive, and that evolved to many Moms and a few Dads with a hot dog grill on the corner! We currently serve a hot meal every Saturday morning from 12-3 in the winter, and 10-1 in the summer. We provide hygiene items, clothes, harm reduction and resources for addiction, jobs and housing.
Newark Homeless Outreach seeks to embrace, educate and empower those whose lives have been impacted by homelessness, poverty or addiction.

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