Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of New Mexico Launches in Española
For Immediate Release November 15, 2018
Contact: Sean Duffy sean@thekenneygroup.com
Española, New Mexico (November 15, 2018) – A broad-based group of healthcare, law enforcement, community and drug-prevention leaders today unveiled a new coalition to address New Mexico’s opioid crisis. The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of New Mexico will work in close partnership with stakeholders across the state and focus on programs that help reinforce prevention, treatment, and recovery.
RALI New Mexico launched with a community event at Convento Gallery in Española that brought together state and local government leaders, as well as non-profit organizations to discuss ways to develop a strong support system within the community for those impacted by opioid misuse.
“Having been born and raised in Española, it pains me to see the devastation that the opioid crisis is causing in Rio Arriba County and throughout our state,” said State Sen. Richard Martinez, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Bringing community leaders together to find strong, effective solutions to this crisis is an important milestone, and I am grateful to be part of RALI New Mexico.”
Among its first efforts, RALI New Mexico will focus on proper storage and disposal of prescription medications, which can help prevent misuse. A prescription drug take back box will be placed permanently in Rio Arriba County to help community members safely dispose of their old and unused medicines. Additionally, RALI New Mexico will help Rio Arriba County develop a plan to begin addressing opioid misuse in an area of the state that is adversely impacted by the crisis.
“Española is committed to a comprehensive approach that addresses this issue, starting with programs that help our citizens who struggle with addiction every day,” said Española Mayor Javier Sanchez. “We all have a role to play. I applaud RALI New Mexico for launching this effort to find real answers that will help heal our community.”
During the event, RALI New Mexico presented hundreds of drug disposal kits to partners and organizations for distribution to area citizens. The kits are among the FDA-approved methods for disposing of unused medicines. RALI New Mexico’s website includes an extensive overview of safe disposal methods, including the use of common household items.
“The scourge of opioid abuse is devastating families and communities throughout New Mexico,” said State Rep. Debbie Armstrong, chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee. “We hear stories daily about the burden this crisis has on our health, public safety and criminal justice systems. Only through local community summits and public-private partnerships such as RALI New Mexico can we truly turn the tide.”
For more information, visit www.ralinm.org.
About RALI New Mexico
RALI New Mexico is an alliance of local, state and national organizations working to elevate solutions to the state’s opioid crisis. With millions of Americans struggling with opioid addiction, the organization provides a platform to share best practices and bring solutions focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery to impacted communities. RALI New Mexico will engage a number of stakeholders, including anti-addiction groups, caregivers, patients, law enforcement, first responders, EMTs, labor unions, employers, health care providers, veterans, and civic organizations, among others.
Members of RALI New Mexico include:
Addiction Policy Forum
A New Normal.Life
Bernalillo County Behavioral Health Initiative.
The City of Española
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
Hoy Recovery Program, Inc.
NAMI New Mexico
NAMI Dona Anna County
National Black Nurses Association
National Consumers League
National Sheriffs' Association
The New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
The Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association of New Mexico
RAC STOP – Rio Arriba Substance Treatment Outreach and Prevention Program
Rio Arriba County
Rio Arriba Community Health Council
Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office
United Way of Northern New Mexico
Veterans Against Drugs
Veterans Health Council
Vietnam Veterans of America
To learn more about RALI New Mexico visit www.ralinm.org.