blog.chinakrysdarrington.com Words to the Cosmos

Akron well represented at OARP luncheon

Darrington

Small

The Ohio Alliance of Recovery Providers (OARP), a trade association to which CHC holds membership, held a legislative luncheon at the Statehouse Atrium this past February. The event highlighted the importance of treatment and the need for continued and enhanced funding for services state-wide. Governor Kasich accepted an award at the event for his contributions in understanding, speaking out and building bipartisan support on an issue of statewide importance. Over 200 guests were in attendance, including many local legislators and guests from the Akron area.
 
The most notable part of the day without a doubt was the nearly 40 people who stood up and gave testimony of their experience with addiction and recovery, several of which who were from Summit County. These individuals represented all walks of life, from attorneys to college students, teens to grandmothers-addiction doesn't discriminate. 

"Addiction was slowly killing me; steadily robbing from me everything beautiful in my life...the people that loved me, all of my goals, my hopes, and dreams... The treatment providers I encountered fought for me until I could fight for myself...they helped me reclaim my life," said China Darrington.  
 
Jimmie Small added during his testimony, "I have gratitude to the State of Ohio and Community Health Center for the treatment they provided me. Today I have a home, I am a certified recovery coach and I volunteer at the organization that helped me."
 
Both China and Jimmie serve on the OMCDC Board of Directors and are gracious ambassadors and volunteers for our cause. We thank them for their support at this worthwhile event.