Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative donates Safe Drug Disposal Pouches to CADCA coalitions, Missouri Primary Care Association
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the Missouri Primary Care Association announced a contribution of safe drug disposal pouches from the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) today to help Missourians reduce the risk of substance misuse in the home. Contributing safe drug disposal kits to local coalitions is the most recent demonstration of RALI’s continuing commitment to prevention and education outreach, following an educational webinar about the warning signs of opioid misuse featuring Senator Roy Blunt.
While Missourians continue to practice safe social distancing and many large-scale Take Back Day events have been canceled, safe at home drug disposal options are an essential step in combatting the risk of prescription drug misuse. By removing unused medications from the home, Missouri families can reduce the risk of misuse and prevent addiction.
“Preventing substance misuse at home is a crucial step to combatting the opioid crisis, and the importance of at-home drug disposal has only been made more apparent as Missourians continue to practice safe social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Roy Blunt. “I’m grateful to RALI for continuing to bring Missouri families and communities together, virtually, to talk about the importance of prevention and safe disposal.”
“The impact of the opioid crisis has been felt by all Missouri communities, and the COVID-19 pandemic has provided new challenges to keeping our loved ones safe from substance misuse,” said Joe Pierle, CEO of the Missouri Primary Care Association. “Missouri families can use these safe drug disposal pouches to dispose of expired or unneeded medications from the convenience and safety of their own homes.”
“At-home drug disposal is a key step for reducing substance misuse while maintaining social distancing,” said General Barrye L. Price, President & CEO of CADCA. “By making these available to our communities, RALI is helping Missourians stay safe and healthy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
“We have been able to make safe disposal of medications a broader community concern, so these safe drug disposal pouches will be extremely helpful,” said Ken McManus, Director of the Alliance for Healthy Communities, a Chesterfield-based CADCA coalition that received disposal kits.
RALI is an alliance of local, state, and national organizations committed to finding solutions to end the opioid epidemic. To learn more about RALI’s work in communities, safe disposal, and to tour the RALI CARES virtual trailer visit www.raliusa.org.
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