FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2018
CONTACT: Jenny Camper (614) 579-7948
Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Ohio Grant to Benefit
Berger Health Foundation and Pickaway Addiction Action Coalition (PAAC)
(Circleville, OH) – Today, the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Ohio, a convening organization of community leaders focused on addressing the opioid epidemic in the state, announced a grant to the Berger Health Foundation to further strengthen Pickaway County’s response to the opioid crisis. The grant, which will benefit the Pickaway Addiction Action Coalition (PAAC), will support substance use education and prevention efforts.
“The Berger Health Foundation is honored to receive this important grant from RALI Ohio,” said Larry Halm, executive director of the Berger Health Foundation. “Every day, we see the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic on our community. With the size and scope of this challenge, we cannot solve it on our own. Support from organizations like RALI Ohio are vital in our ongoing effort to provide Pickaway County residents with the services they need.”
In 2016, more than 3,600 Ohioans died due to opioid-related overdoses, putting Ohio among the top five states in the country with the highest rates of opioid-related overdose deaths. With the rate of deaths tripling since 2010, state leaders and key stakeholders have introduced a number of initiatives to address the growing crisis.
Berger Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports health-related services for the residents of Pickaway County and surrounding communities. Berger Health Foundation and Berger Health System were among the founding members of PAAC.
“This grant from RALI Ohio will go a long way in our efforts to engage in multi-pronged strategies to combat opioid misuse in Pickaway County,” said Ty Ankrom, board member of PAAC. “Realizing our vision to end drug addiction in this county by the year 2020 will take strong partnerships. We are proud to include RALI Ohio among our supporters.”
PAAC was formed in 2016 with a mission to develop, implement, evaluate and sustain county-wide efforts to prevent drug abuse, addiction, overdose, and death. The organization provides area residents with practical information, resources and tools through its website www.drugfreepickaway.com.
“PAAC has done a remarkable job creating a model for effective leadership on this issue,” said Mark O’Brien, executive vice president for state affairs for the Addiction Policy Forum, a member of RALI Ohio. “RALI Ohio is proud to support PAAC’s meaningful commitment to addressing the opioid crisis in this community.”
“Pickaway County is truly exceptional in its efforts to combat opioid misuse,” said Andy Corsig, deputy vice president for state advocacy at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a founding member of RALI Ohio. “PAAC’s practical resource guides and access to recognized experts who help residents through addiction and recovery deserve RALI Ohio’s support because of the tangible impact they have on this epidemic.”
About RALI Ohio
RALI Ohio is a convening organization of community leaders focused on addressing the opioid epidemic in the state. By working with key stakeholders across the state, RALI Ohio promotes effective prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies. In addition to its support for Berger Health Foundation and PAAC, RALI Ohio has provided grants to organizations across the state that are working to raise awareness of proper disposal of prescription medications.
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