Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) Participates in Important Event to Share Ideas and Progress in Addressing the Opioid Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2020
Tacoma, Washington – Representative Derek Kilmer joined local leaders, parents, and community members, including the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Washington, at the annual Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Summit. The summit was organized by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Task Force to share progress made in addressing the crisis.
The summit was hosted by Derek Young, Pierce County Council District 7 and Conor McCarthy, Tacoma City Council At Large Position 7. Key topics covered included: prevention information, an overview of how federal, state, and local opioid funding is impacting Pierce County, and group discussions on coordinating efforts and identifying and filling gaps.
RALI Washington brings together local, state, and national leaders to identify lasting solutions that will effectively address opioid misuse and addiction. RALI’s efforts include educating community members on the warning signs of opioid misuse and promoting the safe disposal of unused prescription medicines.
Following the event, Rep. Kilmer commented, “In order to address the opioid epidemic, we must work together on every aspect – from prevention to access to treatment to reducing stigma associated with addiction. I was pleased to be part of today's event and to learn more about the important work being done by local leaders in Pierce County to help individuals, families, and communities that are challenged by opioid misuse and addiction – and to talk about the work I’m doing to ensure the federal government steps up as a partner."
For more information about the Tacoma-Pierce County Opioid Task Force, please visit the organization’s web page. For more information about RALI Washington, please visit raliwa.org.
About RALI Washington
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Washington is a convening organization of community and advocacy leaders working to address our nation’s opioid crisis. RALI Washington will engage a number of stakeholders, including anti-addiction groups, caregivers, patients, labor unions, employers, health care providers, veterans, and civic organizations, among others. We are committed to helping to implement programs that save lives and prevent the misuse of prescription opioids.
Partners include:
Code 3 Association
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
Generations United
IUOE Local 302 Washington, Alaska and Idaho
National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Program
National Black Nurses Association
National Consumers League
National Grange
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
Radio KDNA 91.9 FM Yakima
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Veterans Against Drugs
Veterans Health Council
Vietnam Veterans of America
Washington Recovery Alliance
NAMI Washington
###