Free drug disposal tools available at events in Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties
Columbus, OH – On Tuesday, August 6, the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Ohio will participate in National Night Out events in Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties to help educate residents about how to properly dispose of prescription medications and provide tools to facilitate disposal. National Night Out is a nationwide effort to prevent crime and promote community safety.
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.
In the Cleveland area, National Night Out events are sponsored by the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Public Power and other local partners. With a donation from RALI Ohio, event sponsors will distribute 5,000 drug disposal kits and educational information in five locations including Euclid Beach Park (5:00-8:30pm), McGowan Park (6:30-8:30pm), Steelyard Commons (5:30-8:30pm), Arbor Park Village (5:30-8:30m), and the Rainbow Terrace Complex (2:00-8:00pm).
In the Columbus area, the City of Columbus, the Columbus Division of Police and the Franklin County Sheriffs have planned more than 150 community events including live music, porch light vigils and cookouts. RALI Ohio is supporting these partners and the events with an additional 5,000 disposal bags to be distributed to residents.
To learn more about RALI Ohio, visit www.ralioh.org and find us on Facebook and Twitter.