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Portage
Mim Cherrie has been an advocate and activist in Portage County all of her life.
She has been with OhioCAN since its beginning attending Steps of Change and Overdose Awareness events. She has also visited numerous events throughout the state and Washington DC> Mim cureently serves on the Board of Directors representing the families. Prior to the Board, Mim was a past Portage County Coordinator for serveral years. She is currently stepping back into her role as County Coordinator actively searching for someone to fill her shoes.
Mim is retired from working with the DD population for 34 years in a number of roles.
Born in NY, she attended Kent State where she met her husband and has since raised her family in Ravenna.
Substance Use Disorder entered her life in 2007 when her son began using drugs. She claims that meeting people involved in OhioCAN saved her from being alone in her community at a time when shame and stigma were extremely prevalent. Being able to speak openly with others who understood made the biggest difference in how she learned to live with the impact addiction has on families.
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Steps of Change
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.
Local counties will 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!!
They will bring attention to the shame and stigma associated with substance use, while advocating for more evidence based practices and treatment.
Local counties will 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!!
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Overdose Awareness Day
Overdose Awareness Day has been a key remembrance event for those who have died from fatal drug overdoses since 2001.On August 31 thousands of people worldwide will stand beside the friends and families of fatal overdose victims to reflect on their losses.The event intends to reinforce the idea that no one need feel shame or disgrace at the death of someone from drug overdose.
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jolly jamboree
