On October 11th, 2024 The Ashtabula County Prevention Coalition held it’s 13th annual Prevention, Awareness, Recovery, and Treatment, (P.A.R.T.) conference. Nearly 200 attendees gathered for a full day of education, collaboration, and inspiration.
The conference started with a powerful keynote delivered by Tonier Cain, an internationally recognized trauma survivor and advocate. Drawing from her personal experiences with substance use, homelessness, and incarceration, Cain captivated the audience by sharing her remarkable journey of resilience and recovery. In her address, Cain emphasized the critical connection between trauma and substance use, underscoring the importance of addressing root causes to support long-term recovery.
Throughout the rest of the day, participants attended various breakout sessions that provided insight and education on topics such as stigma and the importance of the words we use, self-care, current trends, treatment for substance use in older adults, the emerging threat of xylazine, and the impact of substance use on families. The breakout sessions offered participants valuable knowledge and fresh perspectives, enabling them to better understand and respond to the complex issues surrounding substance use and mental health.
The conference concluded with a powerful recovery panel featuring five individuals who shared their personal journeys of recovery while achieving success in the workplace. Each panelist offered candid reflections on the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced in recovery, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community support, and accessible resources. Their stories highlighted the possibility of thriving professionally while overcoming struggles, offering hope and inspiration to others navigating similar paths.
The P.A.R.T. conference has become a cornerstone event for the county, playing a critical role in raising awareness and fostering a united response to the challenges of substance use disorders and mental health. Through events like these, the Ashtabula County Prevention Coalition continues to promote resilience, hope, and long-term recovery for individuals and families across Ashtabula County.
