Sen. Thom Tillis Joins Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative for Educational Webinar on How to Fight the Opioid Crisis During COVID-19

CONTACT
Paola Learoyd, RALI Team Lead
(paola@recanc.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTH CAROLINA, JUNE 4 – This morning the Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) hosted a webinar with Code 3 Association, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina, and special guest U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting those struggling with substance use disorder and those in recovery and how to keep loved ones safe.

“As difficult as this time is for all of us, it’s especially important to recognize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our friends and neighbors battling substance use disorders,” said Senator Tillis during his welcoming remarks. “For those in recovery or receiving treatment for addiction, social distancing measures may severely impact their normal means of support - recovery requires connection, and we all can help provide support for our loved ones. Understanding how to spot the warning signs of substance misuse is particularly important during this time of increased anxiety.”

RALI has partnered with Code 3 to create the virtual RALI CARES educational trailer to educate visitors about the early signs of substance misuse that often go unnoticed. Joe Abdalla, Executive Director of Code 3, took viewers on a virtual tour of the trailer. General Arthur Dean, Chairman and CEO of CADCA, and Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP of NASW-NC also spoke about what their organizations are doing to combat the opioid crisis during the COVID-19 era.

RALI is an alliance of local, state, and national organizations committed to finding solutions to end the opioid epidemic. RALI continues to work to address the opioid epidemic while at home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about RALI’s work in communities, safe disposal, and to tour the RALI CARES virtual trailer visit www.raliusa.org.