Cocoa & Conversation: Helping Families Navigate Addiction & Mental Illness

Cocoa & Conversation is a community-centered event designed to support families impacted by substance use, addiction, and mental illness. This gathering offers a welcoming space for learning, open dialogue, healing, and connection. Families will hear from professionals and individuals with lived experience while gaining practical tools and resources they can use long after the event ends.

This event also serves as a kickoff to MACC’s broader initiative, The Right Conversation, which helps families navigate challenging discussions around substance use with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

Info: This event is designed for families directly or indirectly impacted by substance use, addiction, or mental illness; caregivers seeking tools for understanding and support; community members interested in learning more about substance use and family dynamics; and providers or partners who work with youth and families.

Info: Attendees will engage in a community-oriented program that begins with introductions, a guided engagement activity, and brief remarks on the importance of addressing substance use, addiction, and mental illness within families. The educational segment includes an overview of key signs and patterns related to Substance Use Disorder and mental health concerns, along with short video elements from WellLink’s “Igniting Compassion” 2023 Documentary. A moderated panel conversation will feature therapists and behavioral health professionals, Franklin County health officials, a subject matter expert from a local treatment or recovery organization, and a community member with lived experience. Discussion topics may include understanding family impact, identifying early signs, approaches for compassionate communication, and supporting recovery and resilience. The program concludes with an audience Q&A.

Info: Participants will have time to visit vendor tables featuring local behavioral health and recovery services, support for caregivers and families, take-home materials and strategies from The Right Conversation campaign, and access to Naloxone kits with a brief overview on how to use them. Attendees will also receive The Right Conversation brochures and talking-tip guides, local resource lists for family support, and MACC care bags with materials provided by participating vendors.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Columbus.