A Statewide Epidemic

Arkansas families lost a loved one to fentanyl since 2014, which is likely low due to underreporting and pending cases.

Arkansas is 2nd in the nation in opioid prescribing rates.

increase in Arkansas fentanyl overdose deaths from 2019 - 2021

Arkansans Lost

According to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, Arkansas has lost 1888 individuals to all types of drug overdoses from 2018 to 2022, and there are still autopsies pending categorization. Overdose numbers are more than just data. Each number represents an individual who lost their future, and families, friends, and entire communities left in devastation. Stigma tells us that overdose deaths are a moral failing. Science shows that they are the symptom of a disease. Substance use disorders are a medical condition that are treatable, but stigma is a barrier for treatment.

Photo from KARK’s coverage of the 2022 International Overdose Awareness Day in Arkansas. Each photo shows someone who died by overdose across the nation.

Graphs, Maps, and Charts

In Arkansas and across the nation, overdose deaths are rising rapidly. Since 2020, Arkansas has lost 708 Arkansans to fentanyl overdose according to data from the Arkansas State Crime Lab, and there are still 56 overdoses pending categorization from 2022. Fentanyl is often laced into other illicit drugs, like marijuana, which can lead to unexpected overdose. Comorbid methamphetamine and fentanyl use has also been increasing over the past few years, following a nationwide trend.