Broad coalition of state leaders join together to combat growing crisis

​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2018

CONTACT: Jack Finn, 702-816-8254

 

Las Vegas – A coalition of community leaders and organizations, health care stakeholders and business representatives today announced the formation of the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Nevada to address opioid misuse and addiction across the state.

 

“Combatting this crisis requires 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 from the dangers of misused opioids. We can’t wait any longer.”

 

One of RALI Nevada’s first efforts will focus on common ways to safely dispose of unused medications, including using everyday household items or specialized drug disposal pouches. As a result of this initiative, RALI partners will have the opportunity to distribute 50,000 pouches to residents across the state.

 

More than 655 Nevada residents died from drug overdoses in 2016 according to the Centers for Disease Control, with many of those related to illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl. From 2011 to 2016, heroin-related overdose deaths in Nevada doubled.

“We have an opioid crisis in Nevada that we must address before it kills more of our fellow citizens,” said State Senator Pat Spearman. “I am delighted to support a coalition like RALI Nevada that will work to find practical solutions to help prevent addiction in our state.”

 

RALI Nevada comprises more than a dozen local, state and national organizations representing healthcare stakeholders, veterans, industry leaders, realtors and others. 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.

“We’re proud to stand with this team of community partners in an effort that will undoubtedly save lives,” said Heidi Kasama, President of the Nevada Realtors. “Safe disposal of unused medications is one example of how each of us can play a role in reducing the impact of this terrible crisis.”

For more information about RALI Nevada, please visit www.RALInv.org.

 

About RALI Nevada:

​

RALI Nevada is a coalition of more than a dozen local, state and national organizations committed to ending Nevada’s opioid crisis.  Members include:

​

• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)

• The CARE Coalition

• Community Health Alliance

• Community Services Agency (CSA)

• National Black Nurses Association

• National Consumers League

• National Grange

• The Nevada REALTORS®

• Nevada Health Care Association

• Nevada State Medical Association

• Nevada Statewide Coalition

• PACT Coalition

• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

• Roseman University

• Veterans Against Drugs

• Veterans Health Council

• Vietnam Veterans of America