Southwest Arkansas Radio Radio Stations KMTB, KNAS and KBHC in Nashville, Arkansas
UA Cossatot joined the Save AR Students campaign to take on Opioid Awareness Week. Opioids are drugs that are both legal and illegal that can lead to substance abuse. This campaign is directed towards education and prevention of substance abuse throughout public institutions of higher education in the state of Arkansas.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2017 Arkansas had the 2nd highest opioid prescription rate in the country at a rate of 105.4 percent per 100 persons, and based on information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, youth ages 18-25 are at the highest rate for illicit drug use at 22.7 percent. “It’s no secret that substance abuse is drastically affecting the state of Arkansas. It’s concerning that statistics have us towards the top for opioid prescriptions here in our state. It is very concerning seeing this issue affect our college campuses,” said Trevor Villines, the Director of External Relations for the UA Student Government Association.
“It is important that we raise awareness and bring attention to this issue, alongside everyone in our state, so that our schools, towns, and communities can be informed and make better choices,” says Student Success Center Coordinator Erika Buenrrostro.
To participate in this cause UA Cossatot gave out shirts, pins, and informational flyers. UA Cossatot highlighted Opioid Awareness Week at all three campuses. At each campus, UA Cossatot campus police officers gave presentations about drugs, their effects, and prevention methods. The documentary “Chasing the Dragon” raises awareness for opioids and was shown for students to watch. UA Cossatot held Opioid Awareness Week from March 11th- March 15th.
