Stark County
Ron, a father of 2, had 30+ years of ongoing active substance use. He has rebuilt his life from bottom-up numerous times and currently is celebrating recovery and spending time with his children. He graciously gives back to the community remembering who was there for him on his journey.
He brings the voice of recovery to Stark County and is actively fulfilling the needs within the county through the YouCAN2 project.
"Come as you are: Start where the person is (not where you want him to be)."
He brings the voice of recovery to Stark County and is actively fulfilling the needs within the county through the YouCAN2 project.
"Come as you are: Start where the person is (not where you want him to be)."
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.
OhioCAN Stark 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. Stark stages “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!!
Overdose Awareness Day
Overdose Awareness Day has been a key remembrance event for those who have died from fatal drug overdoses since 2001. The event intends to reinforce the idea that no one need feel shame or disgrace at the death of someone from drug overdose. 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.
SummerBration!
Summerbration! is for little children, older children, teens, parents and seniors. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the community and to educate the public about your specific organization. We request that you provide a game, craft, or other activity for children attending Summerbration!
We are excited to begin planning, without restrictions, SummerBration 2022! Watch for upcoming details!!
SWAP Syringe Exchange
Canton started its own needle exchange (SEP) over 3 years ago. Diane Thompson with the city health department says reducing the use of dirty syringes can head off a potential “secondary epidemic” of communicable diseases that would dramatically worsen the problem of dealing with addiction.
OhioCAN provides warm sandwiches and snack bags to each client "meeting them where they are and not leaving them there."
OhioCAN provides warm sandwiches and snack bags to each client "meeting them where they are and not leaving them there."

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