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The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

The independent news website of The Kent Stater & KSTV

KentStater

A display at the “Lights of Change” event on Friday memorializes those lost to addiction.

‘Lights of Change’ aims to end addiction stigma

Madeline Pigott September 3, 2018

In the United States, Ohio ranked No. 2 for the most deaths by overdose. OhioCAN, a statewide organization for family members affected by addiction, is speaking out and changing the stigma that comes with...

Debby Thrasher Smith, 66, steps into her Ravenna home on Sunday. Her son, Joe, died here Oct. 29, 2014, of a heroin overdose — his third. He battled with substance abuse in the several years before his death.

A mother reveals what it’s like to live with a son addicted to heroin

Valerie Royzman April 30, 2018

I’m standing on Debby Thrasher Smith’s front porch in Ravenna, tightening my trench coat around my waist. The four wind chimes behind me are knocking delicately against each other, and their tinkling...