Diverse Coalition Promotes Effective Programs for Prevention, Treatment and Recovery
BALTIMORE, Md. (Dec. 19, 2019) – The Maryland Patient Safety Center has joined the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Maryland, a diverse alliance of Maryland community, business and faith leaders; health care stakeholders; and first responders working to address the opioid crisis.
RALI Maryland helps bring people and organizations together to share, learn and work across community boundaries to address the opioid epidemic. The coalition supports programs that help save lives, mobilizes stakeholders to educate communities, and distributes informational materials to Marylanders that can help end the crisis.
“Our partnership with RALI Maryland is a natural fit for our organization as we strive to make health care in Maryland the safest in the nation,” said Bonnie DiPietro, Director of Operations of the Maryland Patient Safety Center. “The opioid epidemic knows no boundaries and anything we can do to help give people a fighting chance whether it be through proper disposal or education, we’re all in.”
In 2017, nearly 2,000 Maryland residents lost their lives due to an opioid-related overdose, according to state data. Deaths related to heroin and illicit fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, in particular, have been increasing, with the crisis impacting people of all ages and demographics. The state of Maryland has implemented a comprehensive response to the crisis with a series of executive actions and new programs to help residents and community leaders address addiction, including its 2-1-1 hotline for anybody who needs help.
Earlier this year, RALI Maryland, along with its partners, brought an interactive trailer to locations across the state in an effort to help educate parents and adults on the warning signs of teenage substance misuse. The educational trailer is set up like a typical teenage bedroom to teach parents where signs of addiction may be hidden at home. It was designed with the help of both law enforcement and individuals with substance use disorders.
In addition, the coalition participated in educational events, community conversations on substance misuse disorders and numerous fairs and outreach experiences across the state.
The Maryland Patient Safety Center is recognized as a national leader in patient safety. As a Center of patient safety innovations, the organization convenes providers of care to accelerate understanding and implement evidence-based solutions for preventing avoidable harm. For more information about the Maryland Patient Safety Center, visit marylandpatientsafety.org.
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Maryland is a diverse alliance of nearly two dozen local, state and national organizations committed to finding solutions to help end the opioid crisis in Maryland. The organization is bringing together people and organizations to share, learn and work across community boundaries to help save lives, mobilize stakeholders and provide informational resources.
RALI Maryland members include:
Beloved Community Services Corporation
Cecil County Community Drug Coalition
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland
Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores
Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Maryland Fraternal Order of Police
Maryland Hospital Association
Maryland Patient Safety Center
Maryland Pharmacists Association
Maryland REALTORS
Maryland Rural Health Association
Maryland Sheriffs’ Association/Maryland Chiefs of Police
Maryland State Grange
MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society
National Black Nurses Association
National Consumers League
National Sheriffs’ Association
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Professional Firefighters of Maryland
Union Baptist Church
University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security
Veterans Health Council
Vets Against Drugs
Vietnam Veterans of America
For more information about RALI Maryland, visit RALImd.org.
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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Beth Levine
443-812-4871
