Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Iowa Will Support Effective Programs Across Prevention, Treatment and Recovery
(DES MOINES, IA) – Today a new alliance of local, state, and national organizations took its first steps toward addressing the opioid epidemic in Iowa. The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Iowa is a partnership of more than 30 organizations who have come together to elevate programs that have a real impact on Iowans. RALI Iowa is specifically focused on addressing the growing need for effective prevention, treatment and recovery tools and services.
“The opioid epidemic is going to take a comprehensive approach that employs multiple strategies and many stakeholders to address it,” said General Arthur T. Dean, chairman and CEO of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). “Our partnership with RALI Iowa is a model for how communities can enhance local primary prevention efforts and increase awareness about the dangers of substance use and misuse. By working together, we can build safe and healthy drug-free communities.”
From August 8th through 18th, RALI Iowa will be at the Iowa State Fair educating visitors about the warning signs of substance misuse among young people. The RALI CARES interactive trailer is set up like a teenager’s bedroom with dozens of hidden signs of substance misuse. Parents, community leaders and others who work with young people are encouraged to take free tours to better understand the warning signs to look for in their own home. The trailer is a partnership between RALI Iowa and Code 3, an organization that provides tools and resources for law enforcement and communities to work better together.
“The opioid epidemic is far reaching and must be addressed holistically if we are going to beat it,” said Jim Henter, president of the Iowa Retail Federation, a RALI Iowa partner. “Businesses and communities across the state are looking for ways they can be part of the solution and RALI Iowa provides practical tools and a forum for sharing best practices that can help.”
RALI Iowa will also provide tools and resources to help reduce the misuse of unused medicines in the home. Proper disposal of prescription medicines is an important preventative measure to help address the opioid epidemic. In 2017, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that 53 percent of people over the age of 12 who misused prescription pain relievers obtained the medication from a friend or relative.
Through a key RALI Iowa program, partners will distribute drug disposal kits to community members free of charge. The kits allow residents to place unused medications in a pouch, add water, seal the pouch and dispose of it in their home trashcan. RALI Iowa will also educate the community about other methods for safe drug disposal that are included on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.
RALI Iowa will also offer community grants to organizations dedicated to prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. To learn more about RALI Iowa, its partners and how they are working together to address the opioid epidemic visit the new website, www.rali-ia.org.
About RALI Iowa:
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Iowa is an alliance of local, state and national organizations focused on elevating programs that have a real impact on the state’s opioid epidemic. RALI Iowa and its partners support a broad range of programs, including prevention, treatment and recovery services. Our partners include:
Addiction Policy Forum
Alliance of Coalitions for Change
Ames Chamber of Commerce
City of Nevada, IA
Clive Community Health and Wellness Initiative
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
Community Health Partners
Des Moines Area Religious Council
Easter Seals Iowa
Genesis Health System
Genesis Philanthropy
Iowa Academy of Family Physicians
Iowa Association of Realtors
Iowa Farm Bureau
Iowa Medical Society
Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association
Iowa Pharmacy Association
Iowa Retail Federation
Iowa State Grange
Iowa State Sheriffs & Deputies Assn
Lupus Foundation of America, Iowa Chapter
Meredith Corporation
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Iowa
National Black Nurses Association
National Grange
National Sheriffs’ Association
North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters – Iowa
NuCara Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
Select Physical Therapy
Veterans Against Drugs
Veterans Health Council
Vietnam Veterans of America
Visiting Nurse Association of Pottawattamie County