“Most cultural traditions have a story to explain why human life is so hard, why there is so much suffering on earth. The story is always the same -- at some point, early in our human origin, we forgot that we were all connected. We broke apart, we separated from each other. We even fragmented inside ourselves, disconnecting heart from head from spirit. These stories always teach that healing will only be found when we remember our initial unity and reconnect the fragments.”
- Margaret Wheatley
Fall Reflections

We were thrilled that the suicide walk on September 30 had more than 300 participants. And on October 2 we enjoyed our annual dinner with keynote speaker Dan Fisher from the National Empowerment Center, who also spoke at our fall RSVP conference the next day. We’re grateful for the outpouring of community support and participation at all of these events.
What is being done about opiates in Ashland County?

Opiate abuse is a national epidemic, but actions are being taken in Ashland County to address the growing number of addictions in our area.
Mental Health Tip
Walk Your Way to Good Mental Health

Regular exercise and contact with nature are essential for good mental health, and with its cooler weather and colorful leaves, fall is the perfect time to begin a new habit of taking a daily walk. All it takes is 20 minutes! Try scheduling your walk at the same time each day to help you stick with your new habit -- perhaps when you first get up or right after dinner, or for a break during your work day. And try out some of Ashland’s 17 beautiful parks for some variety!
Agency Spotlight
Mike Riley Wins the 2018 Martha Jorden Beacon Award

This year’s Martha Jorden Beacon Award has gone to Mike Riley, Principal of Ashland High School.
Congratulations to Dennis Dyer

At our 2018 annual dinner we celebrated Dennis Dyer, Director of the Ashland County Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ACCADA), who is retiring at the end of October after serving in this position for 32 years. During his tenure at ACCADA, Dennis has helped so many people in our community recover from alcohol and drug addiction, and he will be greatly missed. We wish him well in this new chapter of his life.
Upcoming Events
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Date:
  • Ashland - Saturday, October 27, 10am-2pm & M-F 8am-4pm
  • Loudonville - M-F 8am-4pm ONLY (Loudonville will not have a special drop off date on Sat.)

Location:
  • Ashland County Sheriff’s Department, 1205 East Main Street, Ashland, Ohio
  • Loudonville Police Department, 125 North Water Street, Loudonville, Ohio

Proper disposal of unused medication helps cut back on prescription drug abuse and it protects our children, our water supply, and our food supply. Help us spread the word and take part in this important event!