Oregon District hero helps others at OneFifteen

Jeremy Ganger was not only present at the mass shootings in Dayton’s Oregon District in August of 2019, he was also right in the middle of the carnage as it unfolded. 

“I was there and saw people get shot, saw things that I never wanted to see. I saw the gunman coming down the street shooting at everyone and people die feet away me. I was pushing people back into the bar and not letting anyone run out,” Ganger says.

The bar is Ned Peppers, where the then 42-year-old was part of the security team.

“At one point he came to the door where I was working. I knew I couldn’t stop him but wanted to slow him down so he couldn’t get inside. We had a good crowd in the bar, but knew if he got in, he would kill so many people,” Ganger continues.

In a split second the suspect came around the corner saw Ganger waiting on him and paused. That was the moment six Dayton police officers shot and killed the gunman. Nine people lost their lives with dozens injured, Ganger being one.

“I was shot in the leg that night, not knowing that I took the gun away from him as he was laying at my feet,” Ganger adds.

Hailed as a hero for saving many lives, Ganger says he was just doing his job. Today, helping others is his new mission. 

“That night changed my entire life. I have depression and anxiety. It’s been almost three years and still have nightmares, still relive that night asking myself how I could have done more, why am I alive and not dead? I would trade my spot for any of the nine we lost. I have so much guilt that I live with every day. I hit rock bottom but knew I had to fight back, knew God saved me for a reason so, I started my journey,” he says. 

The journey, so far, has Ganger in peer support at OneFifteen, one of the Miami Valley’s newest drug/alcohol rehabilitation facilities. He saw a job posting and knew immediately what the next step in recovery was for himself and others.

“Sharing my story with my clients helps them a lot because they get to hear a story about a person who was an inmate and has a number, but I don’t let my past make me. Talking about the shooting, running into a burning building to save a dog 10 years ago, shows the man I am now isn’t an inmate but a human who has made a few bad choices in life. I have gotten to show who I am now, not my past,” Ganger says. 

Ganger absolutely loves coming to OneFifteen, knowing he is doing his best to help.

“At OneFifteen, the path to recovery is a personal journey rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. We, along with our clinical partners, focus on meeting people where they are and creating a treatment plan that works for each individual,” says Barbara Marsh, COO of the facility.

Marti Taylor, CEO of OneFifteen, adds, “We are often asked, ‘What makes OneFifteen unique?” The answer is simple: We focus on the whole person by surrounding them with a team that includes physicians, nurses, therapists, care coordinators and peer-support specialists. These individuals are dedicated to providing high-quality services and meeting the needs of the community. We deploy a no-wrong-door approach to ensure we are available to help. Regardless of where an individual is in their journey in recovery.”

Karen Kelly Brown, marketing/communications manager at OneFifteen, says, “The team at OneFifteen is incredible, and we strive to live our mission daily, which is to heal people experiencing substance use disorders through learning, science and partnership. Pure and simple, we are here to help offer a path to recovery that is designed for each person, and make sure that everyone gets evidence-based treatment. We will treat anyone regardless of where you come from or how many times you’ve tried before.”

Marsh adds, “Our 4.5-acre campus is home to a full continuum of care, which includes a crisis stabilization unit, residential treatment and outpatient clinic, residential housing, fitness center, walking path and complete wraparound services to assist and encourage people, no matter where they are in their personal recovery process.”

Peer support counseling isn’t coming from a textbook, especially in Ganger’s case. For now, his journey is one step at a time, enabling him to heal himself and others. 

“Coming to work every day for me is an easy choice because I know what I am doing is helping others, and I do know that helping others is something I need to do because so many people need it, and that is why I am here,” he says.

OneFifteen has three locations in Dayton—a crisis stabilization unit, an outpatient treatment center and a living facility. Contact them at 937-535-5115 or visit onefifteen.org.

Cheers,
Buch