Drug Czar Launches Statewide Opioid Coalition
Indiana Drug Czar Jim McClelland announced RALI's launch in July 2018
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA new initiative aims to increase efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in Indiana. The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative Indiana will provide grants and other resources to boost education on opioid abuse prevention to organizations and communities throughout the state. Indiana Executive Director of Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Jim McClelland and State Senator Jim Merritt (R-31) joined a host of business and community leaders Tuesday to launch the initiative.
RALI Indiana is already announcing its first grant of $25,000 to the Indiana Chamber and Wellness Council of Indiana’s Workforce Recovery Initiative, which is an affiliate of the Indiana Chamber. The organization provides tools to Hoosier employers to prevent and support treatment for substance abuse disorders among employees.
"The opioid crisis is too large and too complex for any one person or group to solve," Merritt said in a news release. "We need policymakers, community groups, law enforcement, healthcare advocates, the business community and so many others to identify and support what’s working to treat and prevent opioid addiction. RALI Indiana brings those forces together."
In addition to grants, RALI Indiana plans to distribute thousands of safe drug disposal kits to Indiana residents free of charge. The organization’s website will also serve as a hub of information and resources to Hoosiers affected by addiction and substance use disorders.
"Under Governor Holcomb’s leadership, we are expanding access to treatment statewide. In addition, we are working to strengthen opioid abuse prevention programs,” said McClelland. "RALI Indiana will play an important role in helping to provide resources to organizations that are on the front lines in communities across Indiana."
The organizations involved in RALI Indiana include:
- Accelerate Indiana Municipalities
- Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
- Drug Free Marion County
- Grange
- Indiana Chamber
- Indiana Manufacturers Association
- Indiana Sheriffs’ Association
- National Black Nurses Association
- National Consumer League
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
- Wellness Council of Indiana