UALR receives $5 million for training, education to combat drug use

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received $5 million in federal funding to address the drug and opioid crisis among youth in Arkansas.

The award comes from appropriations language authored by U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., passed into law in 2024. The funding is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

“I was proud to secure critical funding for the Opioid Prevention Project because we all agree it can make a tremendous difference in this fight,” said Boozman. “UA Little Rock MidSOUTH is ideally positioned to leverage this investment. With its expansive network and partnerships, it will enhance abuse and prevention education efforts and target a population at risk of falling victim to opioid abuse and its devastating consequences, which will benefit the entire state.”

The Arkansas Youth Drug-Use Reduction Program will be led by MidSOUTH, a training and education community service unit of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services at UA Little Rock, in partnership with national experts, state and local agencies, and community stakeholders.

The initiative aims to conduct a statewide assessment and develop an evidence-based, Arkansas-specific curriculum designed to educate young people about the dangers of drug use.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is now the No. 1 cause of overdose deaths in Arkansas. Of the 47,695 Arkansas students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 who participated in the 2023 Arkansas Prevention Needs Assessment, 21.2% have used alcohol, 16.5% have tried drugs, 15.3% have vaped, 9.2% have used marijuana, and 4.2% have used prescription drugs.

MidSOUTH was awarded this significant funding due to its proven leadership in drug abuse prevention and training across Arkansas.

“As we face the challenges of opioid misuse, it’s vital to engage our youth in meaningful conversations about prevention and awareness,” said Greg Smith, co-director of MidSOUTH. “The funding will help educate youth about what opioids are and the risks associated with their use. Knowledge is our first line of defense. Our goal is to work together with law enforcement, educators, community prevention agencies, and other stakeholders to foster a safe environment where our youth can thrive and make choices that promote their well-being.”

The program aims to reach 100,000 youth within its first year, with plans to expand as the curriculum is implemented.

This funding will also provide drug neutralizing agents to citizens to assist in the safe disposal of household medications to keep them out of the hands of youth. An educational campaign will complement the curriculum, broadening its reach to communities across Arkansas. Television and social media advertisements will raise awareness among young people about the dangers of drug use, while also providing parents with guidance on how to discuss drug prevention with their children.

“An important part to drug abuse prevention is peer prevention,” Smith said. “Youth need to be able to recognize peer pressure and feel confident saying no to drug use and surround themselves with friends who respect their choices and values. We are working to build evidence-informed curriculums for youth to share what they learn with their peers. By speaking out, they can help create a culture of awareness and support in their schools. Together, we can empower them with knowledge and tools to make informed choices.”