Columbus, OH – The Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association (BSSA) is working with the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Ohio to provide sheriffs’ offices throughout Ohio with safe drug disposal kits and educational materials for upcoming county fairs, local festivals, and other gatherings. RALI Ohio, an alliance of more than 25 organizations representing an array of Ohio communities impacted by the opioid epidemic, has been working to elevate programs that work across prevention, treatment, and recovery.
“Summer in Ohio means fairs and festivals, and many Ohio’s sheriffs’ offices participate in these events to provide safety information and resources for the citizens they serve,” said Bob Cornwell, Executive Director for the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association. “This summer, several of our members will also be providing free safe drug disposal kits and information to encourage residents to clean out their medicine cabinets and throw away unused medications. This can help reduce misuse and abuse of drugs.”
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.
RALI Ohio has provided the BSSA and other organizations in Ohio with safe drug disposal kits as well as materials informing residents about ways to properly dispose of unused medication. Residents can check with their local sheriff to find out if kits are available or be directed to community resources that assist with safe disposal of medications.
In-home drug disposal kits are one of many methods for safe drug disposal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also recommends mixing common household items, like cat litter and coffee grounds, with medications, sealing the mixture in a container, and throwing the container in the trash. Ohio residents can also take advantage of the many take-back locations throughout the state to safely dispose of unused medications.
In addition to safe drug disposal, RALI Ohio and sheriffs’ offices throughout the state are focused on educating residents about the warning signs of substance misuse. In April, RALI Ohio and sheriffs’ offices hosted the RALI Cares educational trailer in 11 locations. Over 700 visitors participated in expert-guided tours of the trailer, which is set up like a mock teenage bedroom with numerous hidden signs of drug misuse.
To learn more about RALI Ohio, visit ralioh.org and find us on Facebook and Twitter.
About RALI Ohio:
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Ohio is an alliance of local, state and national organizations committed to addressing the epidemic of substance misuse in the state through support for effective education, prevention, treatment and recovery programs. Members include:
Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and Northern Ohio
Addiction Policy Forum
Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
Cover2 Resources
Hope United
National Black Nurses Association
National Grange
National Sheriffs’ Association
Ohio Academy of Family Physicians
Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities
Ohio Children’s Alliance
Ohio Manufacturers’ Association
Ohio National Guard Association
Ohio Pharmacists Association
Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association
Ohio Psychological Association
Ohio State Grange
‘One is Too Many’ AMVETS, Department of Ohio program
Pickaway Addiction Action Coalition
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
Prevention Action Alliance
Public Children’s Services Association of Ohio
Summit County Community Partnership
VFW, Department of Ohio
Veterans Against Drugs
Veterans Health Council
Vietnam Veterans of America