AAC


FEATURE


Above: A panel of experts from a variety of fields answer audience questions during an opioid summit in Sebastian County. State House Rep. Justin Boyd, second from right, explains what the Arkansas Legislature is doing to combat the opioid crisis.


Opioid crisis solution ‘multifaceted’


Experts in a variety of fields answer tough questions on opioid crisis.


Story and Photos by Holland doran AAC Communications Coordinator


T


he Sebastian County Opioid Task Force hosted the “In our Own Backyard... Addressing Opioids in Our Community” summit June 20, 2018, in Fort Smith/


Sebastian County. Professionals in healthcare, education, social services, emergency services, law enforcement, and state and local government addressed the opioid epidemic in Arkansas from the point of view of their professions. Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck spoke to attendees on the problems opioid abuse is causing in his county. Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane shared opioid use statistics in Arkansas. “Seventy percent of abused drugs come out of the


home,” Lane said. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge also spoke on her office’s efforts to educate youth on the dangers of opioids through the Prescription for Life program.


COUNTY LINES, SUMMER 2018 31


Left: Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck challenges


attendees


to reach out to those who may be struggling with addiction. Below: Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane outlines state programs that have seen success in opioid addiction education.


Below: Sebastian County Judge David Hudson (mi- dle) listens to a presenta- tion on the opiate antago- nist nasal spray Narcan.


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