RAGAP North America: A Holistic Approach to the Overdose Crisis

Rotary Action Group Addiction Prevention North America (RAGAP North America) is taking bold steps to address the ongoing addiction and overdose crisis with a unique, community-driven approach. Through a comprehensive, five-part Project,  RAGAP aims to reshape how communities understand and tackle addiction prevention and overdoses.

A Personal Commitment to a National Crisis

Larry Kenemore, the North America Chapter Leader of RAGAP, understands the devastation addiction brings to families and communities. His passion for this cause is deeply personal, stemming from years of witnessing the toll addiction takes on loved ones. Larry is a retired Paramedic with 24 years on the street.  As the leader of RAGAP, he partners with local Rotary Clubs to equip communities with the tools and knowledge they need to save lives.

“We can’t just keep treating symptoms,” Kenemore emphasizes. “To make real progress, we need to address addiction from every angle. That’s what our Project SMART is all about—providing communities with resources to fight this epidemic effectively.”

The Birth of a Groundbreaking Initiative

RAGAP North America is on a mission to deliver a holistic solution to the overdose and addiction crisis. With five key Programs working together under one unified umbrella, RAGAP provides a robust approach to preventing addiction, treating addiction, and supporting those in recovery.

At the core of RAGAP’s efforts is Project SMART, which includes, for example, the first and only age-grade-based addiction and overdose prevention training program for grades 1 through 12. This initiative empowers children and young adults by teaching them the dangers of addiction and equipping them with skills to avoid it. Project SMART is informed by peer-reviewed data strategies and research that aim to educate a generation about addiction before it even begins.

But Project SMART is only the beginning. RAGAP’s five-program initiative, which shares the SMART acronym, offers a comprehensive approach to addressing every stage of the addiction cycle.

Breaking Down the SMART Initiative

S – School Training

At the core of RAGAP’s efforts is Project SMART, which includes, for example, the first and only age-grade-based addiction and overdose prevention training program for grades 1 through 12. This initiative empowers children and young adults by teaching them the dangers of addiction and equipping them with skills to avoid it. Project SMART is informed by peer-reviewed data strategies and research that aim to educate a new generation about addiction before it even begins.

M-Medication Safe Drug Disposal

A major component of RAGAP’s strategy is ensuring medications are disposed of safely, preventing misuse. Through a network of strategically placed drug disposal kiosks and in-home bottles, RAGAP encourages the secure and safe disposal of unused medications. These kiosks and in-home bottles accessible to community members provide an easy and efficient solution for reducing the risk of drugs falling into the wrong hands by safely neutralizing them. Thereby allows people to neutralize and destroy their own medications without the need for drug take-back or driving somewhere to dispose of these drugs.

A – Overdose Awareness Training

Overdose awareness is a critical piece of the puzzle. RAGAP offers community-based training on the life-saving use of overdose reversal medications. Participants learn how to recognize the signs of an overdose and use effective treatments using Opvee, the newest, strongest, longest-lasting overdose medication to save lives. This initiative aims to empower individuals with the knowledge to act quickly in emergencies, making a measurable impact on overdose prevention. Saving Brains, Organs, and Lives.  This also includes the OD Rescue boxes that Rotary Clubs place throughout their communities, in schools, public spaces, Restaurants, and Hotels that have Opvee overdose medication available by just opening the OD Rescue box, which includes protective gloves.

R-Recovery Database

Recovery from addiction requires access to the right resources. RAGAP provides a database of recovery/rehab centers, offering transparent information about success rates to help individuals make informed decisions about their recovery journey. This tool empowers people to choose the right treatment options, increasing the likelihood of success in overcoming addiction. Information is provided transparently and can be cross-verified for accuracy.

T –Treatment

RAGAP also recognizes the importance of accessible, ongoing treatment for those with addiction.  Their telehealth services, including platforms like VEBOT and Lighthouse, offer remote addiction treatment to individuals across North America. These services ensure that people can access quality care anytime, anywhere, increasing access to care.  Treatment has shown an 86% success rate.

Community Collaboration

The final piece of the SMART initiative is collaboration between local Rotary Clubs, communities, and the broader RAGAP network. By working together, these groups create a unified front in the battle against addiction, ensuring that resources are used effectively and the local community is actively engaged in solving the crisis.

Why RAGAP Stands Out

What sets RAGAP North America apart from other addiction programs is its holistic approach. Rather than focusing on just one aspect of addiction, RAGAP offers a comprehensive solution that addresses prevention, intervention, and recovery. Each of the five SMART programs complements the others, forming a cohesive strategy to address the addiction crisis from every angle.

The organization also emphasizes the use of data-backed, peer-reviewed research to support its programs, ensuring credibility and effectiveness. By combining peer-reviewed strategies with a collaborative community approach, RAGAP has been able to demonstrate measurable success in tackling addiction.

The Power of Local Action

Kenemore is quick to point out the importance of local involvement in addressing the addiction crisis. “Success in global health initiatives depends on local engagement,” he says. “Rotary International has demonstrated the power of local communities in solving major global challenges, like we did with Polio,  and we’re using that same model to tackle the addiction epidemic.” This Board of Directors is made up of Rotarians and experts in their field from local Rotary Clubs, is unparalleled in expertise in addiction.

RAGAP’s model empowers local communities to take action, providing them with the tools and resources needed to make a difference at the grassroots level. This community-driven approach, combined with the support of Rotary Clubs across North America, ensures that every program is tailored to the specific needs of the community it serves.

A Call to Action

The overdose crisis continues to escalate, and the need for effective, community-based solutions has never been more urgent. RAGAP North America’s five-program Project SMART offers a scalable model that can be adopted by communities everywhere through the local Rotary Club. The organization’s peer-reviewed, holistic approach is making a real difference, but they can’t do it alone.

Kenemore urges local Rotary Clubs and communities to take action. “The more people we can reach with the right resources, the more lives we can save. Together, we can make a real, lasting impact.”

To learn more about RAGAP North America and how you can get involved, visit their LinkedIn and Facebook pages. Together, we can create a world where addiction no longer devastates families and communities.