The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Washington helps bring people and organizations together to share, learn, and work across community boundaries to address the opioid epidemic. This month, RALI Washington has donated 1,600 safe drug disposal pouches to Lifelong for their quarterly Household Essential Kit in effort to educate residents on the importance of safe disposal.
The Household Essential Kit includes various toiletries and household goods for those living with serious illnesses. Throughout August, Lifelong’s Household Essential Kit recipients received a drug disposal pouch included with their deliveries to safely dispose of unused or expired opioids. RALI depends on partners likes Lifelong to distribute these resources to communities they serve.
“Our partnership with RALI Washington is a natural fit for our organization as we strive to provide those in need with useful items that they may not have access to,” says Caila Nickerson, MSW, Lifelong’s Director of Food & Nutrition Programs. “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 2020, more Washington residents lost their lives due to an opioid-related overdose than any year in the past decade, as reported by the Seattle Times. Deaths related to heroin and illicit fentanyl analogues have been increasing, with the crisis impacting people of all ages and demographics.
“Safe disposal kits are a great tool to help keep Seattle families safe and healthy. It’s a top priority to educate Washingtonians on the misuse abuse of prescription drugs,” said Rep. Tina Orwall (D). “RALI and Lifelong are great examples of organizations that are providing valuable resources and support for the community.”
The safe disposal pouches are made by Deterra Drug Deactivation System and comprised of a charcoal substance that renders unwanted, unneeded prescription drugs ineffective for misuse and safe for disposal and the environment.
We are incredibly proud to partner with Lifelong again to help the community in need fight against the opioid epidemic.
RALI Washington is continuing to raise awareness about the importance of safe disposal and to share more information around the state. Individuals can try at home options such as mixing medicines with kitty litter or old coffee grounds in an airtight container and dispose of it in the trash. Washington residents can also visit a drug takeback center within their community, locations can be found here.
Potential partners interested in receiving kits can email info@raliwa.org.