INDIANAPOLIS –The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) Indiana is providing a new tool in the effort to fight the opioid crisis in Marion County. Today RALI Indiana announced the donation of 15,000 safe drug disposal kits to various groups and coalitions in central Indiana that will allow Hoosiers to easily and safely dispose of unwanted and unused prescription medication.

 

Launched in July, 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 Indiana has partnered with Drug Free Marion County to address opioid misuse in the Indianapolis area and to oversee the distribution of safe drug disposal kits.

 

“Coordinating community efforts across our city and state to reduce opioid addiction and control this epidemic is more important than ever before,” said Randy Miller, executive director of Drug Free Marion County. “We are honored to join forces with RALI Indiana to educate the public and provide resources for safe and effective drug disposal.”

 

Drug Free Marion County is a member of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), which is part of a nationwide effort to equip local organizations with the tools needed combat the drug crisis.

 

“The opioid epidemic is going to take a comprehensive approach that employs multiple strategies to create population-level reductions to this problem,” said General Arthur T. Dean, Chairman & CEO of  CADCA.  “CADCA has always focused on primary prevention and we hope our partnership with RALI will be a model for other organizations and communities of how to not only enhance local prevention efforts, but also increase community awareness about the dangers of substance use and misuse.  Together, we can build safe and healthy drug-free communities.”

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Research shows that more than 60 percent of Americans prescribed opioid painkillers reported keeping leftover medication in their home medicine cabinet long after ending use. Safe drug disposal pouches will be available at Drug Free Marion County’s headquarters at 2575 E. 55th Place and will be distributed at community events throughout the year. 

 

“Thanks to the efforts of partnerships like RALI, the work we continue to do at the State House, and the dedication of the governor’s office and law enforcement, I am hopeful Indiana can play a significant role in killing the opioid epidemic,” said Indiana State Senator Jim Merritt. “I look forward to working with this team of professionals to provide the resources Hoosiers need to regain control of their lives.”

 

For more information about RALI Indiana, the fight against Indiana’s opioid epidemic and how to safely dispose of unused medication through multiple methods, 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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