Drew Wilson
The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Future of Florida Forum will examine several challenges the state will grapple with over the coming years, from aging infrastructure to workforce development.
The list of topics also includes substance abuse. The state is at the forefront of the opioid epidemic — approximately 17 Floridians a day die from a drug overdose.
The road to substance abuse, particularly opioid abuse, often starts with a legitimate prescription.
During the Chamber Forum, attendees will hear from retired law enforcement about the signs of substance misuse, with a special emphasis on issues in the business setting.
The education is facilitated by RALI CARES, short for RX Abuse Leadership Initiative CARES. The group is an alliance of organizations committed to addressing the epidemic of substance misuse in the state.
In addition to hearing about warning signs, attendees will be able to see them for themselves in the RALI CARES trailer, which features a recreation of a teenager’s bedroom. RALI will also focus on how to properly disposing of unused medications, and attendees will get drug disposal kits to take home.
The trailer will be set up both days of the Chamber Forum, which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. The trailer will be open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday.
WHO: The Florida Chamber Foundation’s 2019 Future of Florida Forum will bring together Florida’s business leaders, industry experts, and elected officials to discuss the opportunities and challenges impacting Florida’s future between now and 2030.
