The Arkansas Collegiate Network (ACN) is Arkansas’ official collegiate coalition committed to addressing substance misuse at every institution of higher education in Arkansas. Currently the Arkansas Collegiate Network is comprised of 46 representatives from 12 institutions. These 12 institutions and 46 representatives make up the core team of the coalition. As such, they are helping lay the foundation for ACN.

It is the mission of the Arkansas Collegiate Network to empower campus leaders to be effective in their efforts to address substance misuse to create a healthier Arkansas.

Arkansas Collegiate Network’s vision is to be a coalition of student, faculty and staff leaders networking to address substance misuse at institutions of higher education in Arkansas.

For more information call (501) 686-9030 or view the Arkansas Collegiate Network page here.

In October 2019 the University of Arkansas Little Rock/MidSouth Center for prevention and training received funding from the Arkansas Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services to implement Partnerships for Success grant from the federal government. The Partnerships for Success grant is focused on reducing underage drinking and marijuana use among youth age 9-20. For more information call (501) 686-9030.

Launched in October 2016, the Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose-Related Deaths grant program is intended to reduce the number of prescription drug/opioid overdose-related deaths and related adverse events among people ages 18 and older. The program provides the opportunity for states, selected counties, and jurisdictions that receive Substance Abuse Block Grant Funding to train first responders and other key community sectors to prevent prescription drug/opioid overdose-related deaths and implement secondary prevention strategies, including the purchase and distribution of naloxone to first responders. For more information about Naloxone and to download the NARCANsas app, click here. For information about the Joshua Ashley-Pauley Act “Good Samaritan” law click here.

For more information call (501) 686-9030.

In response to the national opioid epidemic, under the direction of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Dr. Jeanne Wei and Dr. Gohar Azhar, the O.P.A.L. Program is providing adults age 55 and older an opportunity to learn more about opioid pain medications, non-opioid pain medications and integrative medicine therapies like Tai Chi, Yoga, mindfulness meditation and other therapies for the management of chronic pain. Nurse educators are also providing education on opioid use disorder (OUD), a pattern of opioid use that can lead to serious impairment or distress. Classes are open now on “Understanding Opioid Pain Medication: Information for Mature Adults and Caregivers”.

If you are an adult age 55 and want to participate in this study or want more information about the program, contact Regina V. Gibson, PhD, MALS, RN at 501.686.7316 or Leaann Mercer, BSN, RN at 501.526.6388.

For more information call (501) 686-9030.

The mission of the Department of Human Services and the State Drug Directors Office is to Stop Stigma and change attitudes in Arkansas by securing the commitment of changing our words. By signing onto our campaign, you will increase awareness in your community and utilize the information and resources we have available. Stigma often keeps people from seeking treatment. To download graphics, press release example, PowerPoint slides, and a PDF with information about what  The Pledge is and what we can provide to you can be downloaded here. For more information call (501) 686-9030.

Click on the Region Link to download information.

For more information call (501) 686-9030.

Click a Link for More Details:

♦ PreventionWorksAR.org

♦ Risk Factors for Adolescent Drug & Alcohol Abuse in Arkansas 

♦ Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment Survey

♦ Month-By-Month Prevention & Promotion & Call to Action & Planning Guide (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)

For more information call (501) 686-9030.