UAMS bringing ‘Dreamland’ author Sam Quinones to Arkansas for conversation on substance abuse

Award-winning author and journalist Sam Quinones will offer an in-depth look at the world of substance use and its disruptive effects on the U.S. in a presentation hosted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Psychiatric Research Institute.

“The Least of Us: A Conversation with Sam Quinones” will be held Oct. 9 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. in the Central Arkansas Library System’s Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock. The event, sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, is free to the public, although pre-registration is required.

To register for the event, visit this link.

Quinones is a former reporter with the Los Angeles Times and is the author of four acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction. His most recent book, “The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth,” was nominated for a National Book Critics Circle award for Best Nonfiction Book of 2021. His “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic” won a National Books Critics Circle award for Best Nonfiction Book of 2015.

Quinones’ upcoming presentation will include a question-and-answer session with the audience, followed by a panel discussion featuring experts in substance use disorder treatment and recovery. The panelists will include Pastor Deborah Bell of Theressa Hoover Memorial United Methodist Church, Dr. Srini Gokarakonda, of UAMS’ Six Bridges Clinic, Katherine Millholland of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and Dr. Kristin Martin, of River Valley Medical Wellness.

“The impact of opioids and methamphetamine on our communities continues to be devastating,” said Dr. Laura Dunn, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and director of the Psychiatric Research Institute. “Sam Quinones’ writing has illuminated so many aspects of this epidemic. With this event, we hope to raise awareness about substance use disorders, as well as shine a light on the many efforts being made to address their impact in Arkansas.”

Quinones sat down with Talk Business & Politics Editor-in-Chief Roby Brock for a preview of the Oct. 9 event. He discussed aspects related to the illegal drug trade between the U.S. and Mexico and how a variety of policies are needed to tackle the problems of addiction and drug trafficking. You can watch his full interview below.