Local, state and national organizations unite to find solutions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (7/15/19)
CONTACT: Sean Duffy – The Kenney Group
303-718-9049 sean@thekenneygroup.com
(AURORA) – Finding solutions to the growing opioid crisis – which killed nearly 600 Coloradans in 2017 – is the goal of the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Colorado – a new organization bringing together community leaders and organizations, health care stakeholders and business representatives. The statewide group held its first community forum today in Aurora.
A major focus of today’s forum, held at the Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CeDAR), part of the University of Colorado Hospital System, was the importance of educating consumers about properly disposing of unused prescription medications. Experts say this is one of the keys to stopping misuse, which in turn helps prevent addiction.
“We can all do our part to help reduce opioid addiction in our community,” said State Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, who co-hosted today’s event. “Leftover, unnecessary prescription medications in our homes can too easily be misused or get into the wrong hands. I applaud RALI Colorado for raising awareness – and providing the skills and the tools – to promote and prompt the proper disposal of our unneeded medications.”
RALI Colorado’s safe disposal efforts helps educate consumers about common ways to safely dispose of unused medications, including using everyday household items or specialized drug disposal pouches. Through this initiative, RALI partners will distribute 50,000 pouches to residents across the state.
Colorado is one of only three states with 150 permanent prescription drug take-back locations across the state. For the list of permanent take back locations visit www.takemedsseriously.com
“Communities across Colorado – like all states – are challenged with the ongoing crisis of opioid misuse and addiction. Breaking the cycle will require a broad-based and innovative approach, with participation from partners throughout the community,” said General Arthur Dean, Chairman and CEO of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). “Too many people have died, and too many are currently at risk, we have to act now to save lives in Colorado.”
An additional focus of today’s forum was the prevalence of illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl – which is a major contributor to overdoses and fatalities.
Ell Fabricus, chapter lead for Young People in Recovery, spoke at the event about the importance of a broad group of stakeholders coming together to effectively address the opioid crisis.
“Our commitment is to ensure that young people – and all Coloradans – live in communities that provide the entire continuum of support that is essential to success in recovery,” she said. “We’re thrilled to partner with RALI Colorado to help build recovery-ready communities across our state.”
For more information about RALI Colorado, please visit www.RALI-co.org.
About RALI Colorado:
RALI Colorado comprises more than 25 local, state and national organizations representing healthcare stakeholders, veterans, industry leaders, and other community partners. In addition to safe disposal, the organization will work together to find solutions and share best practices for prevention, treatment and recovery related to prescription drug misuse.
Partners include:
Addiction Policy Forum
Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Boulder County
Club 20
Code 3 Association
Colorado Grange
Colorado Women’s Alliance
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
Generations United
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver
Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Liver Health Connection
Metro North Chamber of Commerce
National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs
National Black Nurses Association
National Consumers League
Northwest Douglas County Economic Development Corporation
One Colorado
Peer Coach Academy/Embark Recovery
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
Pickens Technical College
Pro 15
Rise Above Colorado
The Don’t Look Back Center
Veterans Against Drugs
Veterans Health Council
Vietnam Veterans of America
Voices for Awareness
Weld County Prevention Partners
Young People in Recovery
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