New text-messaging program launches in Kentucky and four other states to help curb misuse of opioids for pain

The Partnership to End Addiction has announced plans to launch a personalized text messaging program to help curb opioid misuse this summer in Kentucky, Idaho, Tennessee and North and South Carolina. 

The program, called RxAware, is designed to educate parents, caregivers and individuals about available non-opioid pain relievers, as well as ways to reduce risks associated with prescribed opioid medications. 

To use the program, participants will text  RXAWARE to 55753, where they will be asked to answer a short series of questions about their own – or a loved one's – pain management needs. The participant will then receive personalized messages vetted by health professionals that provide educational information, resources and actionable support, says the news release.

In Kentucky, the program is supported by Walmart and Operation UNITE, a regional anti-drug coalition fighting substance misuse in Appalachian Kentucky. The acronym UNITE stands for Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education.

"Prevention is the most effective tool to avoid problems resulting from opioid misuse," Nancy Hale, president and CEO of Operation UNITE, said in a news release. "UNITE is pleased to take the lead for this project in Kentucky. RxAware provides another opportunity to share factual information and resources with the citizens of the commonwealth through our vast network of partners. This collaboration creates additional avenues to prevent addiction and overdoses, and ultimately to save lives."