For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
RALI Maryland Begins “Recovery is Essential” Campaign
Baltimore, MD – In a new digital media and PSA campaign, the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative of Maryland is reminding people that even though COVID-19 is at the forefront of people’s minds, for people who are in recovery with substance use disorders this time can be especially difficult.
The campaign aims to remind people that “Recovery is Essential” and even though it may look different, help is available for those in need to continue their recovery. The normal stress of recovery is compounded by lost jobs, trouble making ends meet, and losing the important face-to-face interaction that those in recovery need.
“We understand that recovery is hard enough on its own, and when people have to self-isolate or quarantine, it makes the healing even harder,” said Christine Ross, President and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, a RALI Maryland partner. “Just like any essential business, those in recovery need to know that their recovery is essential, too, and there are resources that remain available throughout this global pandemic to help keep people on track.”
Senator Malcolm Augustine and Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes lent their voice to the campaign to highlight organizations in their districts that are helping people with their recovery. Sample-Hughes talked about the work that Worcester Goes Purple is doing to help people living in several recovery houses in the district continue their recovery despite job losses and isolation. Augustine discussed the important work that the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Maryland is doing to help educate and provide resources to people in recovery, and all Marylanders, who are struggling with their mental health at this time.
RALI Maryland is posting resources to its website during the COVID-19 pandemic, including links to SAMHSA’s website to all recovery centers in Maryland and NAMI Maryland’s website. Blog posts can be found here.
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Maryland is a diverse alliance of more than two dozen local, state, and national organizations committed to finding solutions to help end the opioid crisis in Maryland. The organization is bringing people and organizations together to share, learn, and work across community boundaries to help save lives, mobilize stakeholders, and provide resources. More information is available at RALImd.org. RALI Maryland partners 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 Alliance on Mental Illness Maryland
· National Black Nurses Association
· National Consumers League
· National Sheriffs’ Association
· Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
· Professional Firefighters of Maryland
· Union Baptist Church
· Veterans Health Council
· Vets Against Drugs
· Vietnam Veterans of America
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Contact: Beth Levine, RALI Maryland, 443-812-4871, beth@RALImd.org
