She was saved by Narcan 36 times. Now sober, she worries potential cuts could jeopardize that care for others

CINCINNATI — In recent years, Kate Dawes' life has come full circle. The mother-of-three once struggled with persistent substance misuse for more than a decade, but now, she helps others experiencing the same through her work with DeCoach Recovery Center.

"They said I would never be (my kids') mother," she said. "(Now), I have custody of all of my children. I help thousands, literally, in my career, to find recovery."

Dawes first began misusing opioids around 2007 after a doctor's prescription. From that point on, until she got sober in 2020, she described a cycle of "bouncing in and out of treatment, in and out of jail, in and out of (emergency rooms), in and out of ambulances."

Narcan revived her 36 times. That same help is in jeopardy for countless others.

Dawes credits much of her