VALPARAISO, IND. –In partnership with the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association (ISA), today the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) Indiana facilitated a roundtable discussion with state and local officials around best practices to combat the state’s opioid epidemic. Participants in the discussion included Indiana State Senator Ed Charbonneau; Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Steve Luce, Porter County Sheriff David Reynolds; Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin; Jasper county Sheriff Terry Risner; Pulaski County Sheriff Jeff Richwine; and Penn Troy of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.

 

Complementing the roundtable discussion, RALI Indiana also announced a $24,000 grant donation to ISA to enhance Indiana sheriffs’ efforts in their communities and county jails in the education and prevention of the opioid crisis. 5,000 safe drug disposal pouches were also donated in an effort to curb unsafe disposal of unwanted prescription medicines.

 

“As sheriffs, we experience firsthand the devastation that the opioid crisis is having on our communities,” said Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Steve Luce. “We are thrilled to partner with RALI Indiana to provide the resources necessary to stamp out this epidemic.”

 

Launched in July 2018, RALI is a diverse coalition of business and community leaders, patient organizations and other health care stakeholders dedicated to finding and supporting solutions to end the opioid crisis. RALI is committed to solving this epidemic from all corners of the state and this latest effort ensures valuable resources to aid first responders and community groups are widely available.

“Across the state, individuals and coalitions are working tirelessly to build a healthier future for Hoosiers,” Indiana State Sen. Ed Charbonneau said. “By taking action now, we can help prevent the next generation from experiencing this epidemic.”

 

For more information about RALI Indiana, the fight against Indiana’s opioid epidemic and how to safely dispose of unwanted medication, visit www.rali-in.org.

ABOUT RALI Indiana:

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RALI Indiana is an alliance of local, state and national organizations committed to finding solutions to end the opioid crisis in Indiana.  Partners of the coalition include:

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• Accelerate Indiana Municipalities

• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America

• Drug Free Marion County

• The National Grange

• Indiana Chamber

• Indiana Manufacturers Association

• Indiana Sheriffs’ Association

• National Black Nurses Association

• National Consumer League

• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

• Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana

• Trusted Mentors

• Wellness Council of Indiana

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