With the launch of the nARcansas app coinciding with the 17^th Arkansas Drug Take Back Day, the theme is “I can. You can. We can. Save a life with Narcan!”

“The main goal of every project, every act we participate in is to save lives,” said Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane. “The amount of lives saved with the semi-annual Arkansas Drug Take Back Day is countless. The amount of lives Arkansas first responders have saved with naloxone kits – 234! That number can only increase with the nARcansas app available to the public.”

The nARcansas app is a free opioid overdose resource containing tools that will help you administer the drug naloxone in the moment of an opioid overdose and provide steps on how to save a person’s life in the event of an opioid overdose. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, is a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid-induced overdose. Though it should be used in an emergency situation only, Naloxone has no effect on non-opioid overdoses.

The Arkansas Drug Take Back Day will be 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 and will include more than 250 locations across the state. Hundreds of volunteers and first responders will be at those locations encouraging citizens to dispose of unused or expired medications and officers will not ask for any identification or other questions regarding the prescriptions being dropped off.

The prescription medications will later be counted for statistical purposes and destroyed at a facility in an environmentally safe manner. Prescription medicines are a toxic waste & pose a danger to people, pets, & the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Medicines flushed or poured down the drain end up in the waterways, affecting our drinking water.

Throwing medications in the trash, even if they are mixed with materials such as kitty litter or coffee grounds, will still make it to a landfill and seep through the soil and into ground water. There’s also a danger of people and/or pets finding medications in the trash – The Animal Poison Control Center said 17.5% (34,888) of pet poisoning calls in 2017 were attributed to prescription medications.

In Arkansas, there were 379 drug overdose deaths in 2016, which increased to 411 drug overdose deaths in 2017. Arkansas ranks second in the nation for per capita opioid prescriptions, at 107 per 100 residents; the national average is 58.7 prescriptions per 100 persons. In nearly a decade (since 2000) deaths involving opioids has increased by 200% in the U.S.

Two-thirds of teenagers & young adults who report abuse of prescription medications say they get the majority of the medications from friends, family & acquaintances. Where do they get them? From our homes.  Ask yourself if your medications are easily accessible by other people? Are they in a bathroom medicine cabinet, a drawer, or lying out on the counter? Do you keep medicines by your living room chair? Are your medications at risk of being pilfered through if you leave the room, even for just a few minutes?

• DON’T leave medication bottles or pill cases lying around
• DON’T store medicines in an unsecured medicine cabinet or bathroom drawer
• DON’T ignore warning signs (Ex: bottles tampered with, pills missing or drugged behavior of someone in your home)
• DO lock up medications in a lock box or hide them in a safe place
• DO keep track of medications – count pills, make marks on liquid containers
• DO keep track of refills – refilling medicine more often than expected can indicate a problem
• DO encourage relatives, friends & neighbors to monitor medications and participate in the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day.

The nARcansas app was created in a partnership with the Office of Arkansas Drug Director, Criminal Justice Institute, Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services and Team Si. Naloxone is available for purchase by the public at some pharmacies throughout Arkansas.

The rate of babies born with opioid dependency is soaring across the U.S., including a historic 15-fold rise in Arkansas. In a united force to raze the rates, multiple states sent representatives recently to a “Policy Academy” in Texas.

Termed Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), babies exposed to opioids while in the mother’s womb, have a very high risk of enduring opioid withdraw symptoms and may have long-term health problems. Dr. Whit Hall, a neonatologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, told KTHV 11 that NAS babies have to stay longer in the hospital, which often means more exposure to opioids.

Dr. Hall said that “Some of these babies, quite frankly, are going to come in dead,” but of those that survive “There’s no question that exposure to these drugs can affect the long term neurodevelopmental outcome of these infants.” [KTHV 11]

In 2000 the NAS rate in Arkansas was 0.3 per 1,000 births. By 2017, the NAS increased to 4.8 per 1,000 births. The median number of days spent in the hospital for NAS diagnosed newborns is 10, compared to 2 days for non-NAS newborns. Median medical care cost was $28,270 for NAS diagnosed newborns, compared to $4,446 for non-NAS newborns. [Arkansas Department of Health statistics]

“These alarming statistics are disheartening, but we are vigorously researching, discussing and sharing ideas, programs, and plans to combat this issue,” said Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane.

The Arkansas representatives – Lane, Ark. Dept. of Health officials, and Arkansas Medicaid personnel – joined numerous other state representatives in San Antonio in early March for a “Promoting Innovation in State Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Policymaking (PRISM) Policy Academy.” Lane said the purpose of the academy was multifaceted – to learn from subject matter experts, identify priorities, and develop state and territorial team action plans supporting policy implementation related to mental health and substance misuse and addiction for maternal and child populations.

Lane and other state representatives were invited to the PRISM Policy Academy by the Association of State & Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) to join the PRISM Learning Community. According to Michael Fraser and Jonathan Webb, chief executive officers of ASTHO and AMCHP, respectively, the PRISM Learning Community, “will leverage national, state, and local-level expertise to support teams in developing and implementing policy initiatives that address substance misuse and addiction and mental health disorders in women, children, and families.”

“I’m excited to be a part of this PRISM program to reduce the rise of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Arkansas and beyond,” Lane said. “The PRISM Academy and PRISM Learning Community will strengthen policies and other plans to dramatically reduce NAS and strengthen the health of our communities. It’s all about saving and protecting lives when you get to the heart of it.”

AMCHP and ASTHO will also partner with four national health associations to advance effective policy solutions on substance use and mental health disorders: National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and National Organization of Urban Maternal & Child Health Leaders (CityMatCH).

The Arkansas team included representatives from the state’s Drug Director’s Office, Dept. of Health, & Arkansas Medicaid

For the first time ever, college and university students across the state of Arkansas are joining forces to combat substance abuse. The inaugural “Save AR Students” substance abuse awareness week will be held from March 11-15, 2019. A news conference will be held on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock at 9 a.m. Monday, March 11.

The event was organized by student government association members from the University of Arkansas and 18 other state colleges and universities. Speakers at the news conference include Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane, Christopher Dickie, Kimberly Ashley-Pauley and Trevor Villines. In the event of inclement weather, the kickoff will be held at the Association of Arkansas Counties at 1415 W. 3rd St., Little Rock.

“It’s no secret that substance use 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, a University of Arkansas, Fayetteville student who serves as Save AR Students 2019 Event Director.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2017 Arkansas had the second-highest opioid prescription rate in the country – with more prescriptions written than the actual population of the state. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, people ages 18-25 have the highest risk for illicit drug use at a rate of 22.7 percent. 9.9% of college students abuse Adderall, compared to 6.2% of non-college adults according to drugabuse.org. Adderall, frequently prescribed to treat Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), has stimulant effects and can be physically and psychologically addictive when misused.

The initiative received support from prevention programs of Arkansas Department of Human Services/Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services and the Arkansas Drug Director’s Office. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded several federal grants to the prevention unit, providing resources for this and other projects.

“Save AR Students 2019” participating institutions include: University of Arkansas- Fayetteville, Arkansas State University, Arkansas Tech University, University of Central Arkansas, Henderson State University, Southern Arkansas University, University of Arkansas- Fort Smith, University of Arkansas-Little Rock, University of Arkansas-Monticello, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, ASU-Mountain Home, University of Arkansas-Cossatot Community College, East Arkansas Community College, Northwest Arkansas Community College, University of Arkansas-Phillips Community College, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain, and University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College. The Associated Student Government at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville collaborated with Student Government Associations and Student Activity Representatives at each campus to make this event possible.

Each campus will determine its own schedule and activities.

The University of Arkansas Fayetteville Associated Student Government is joining with Pat Walker and several campus organizations to promote the week and raise awareness of substance abuse. Throughout the week volunteers will be tabling from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.at the Student Union distributing information on prescription opioids, heroin, fentanyl, amphetamines, and Arkansas’s Joshua-Ashley-Pauley Act, and giving away buttons and t-shirts promoting the Save AR Students.

Other events during the week at the Fayetteville campus include:

• A presentation by the Arkansas Department of Health at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in the Graduate Education Building Auditorium.
• A panel discussion at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, in Reynolds Auditorium.
• A Narcan training session at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in the foyer of the Graduate Education Building Auditorium.

“Substance abuse has no borders,” Villines said. “It affects people of different gender, race, and religion. If we’re going to do something about it, the time is now. We’ve got to roll up our sleeves, put politics aside, and come together as one. It’s up to us to Save AR State, Save AR Future, but more importantly, Save AR Students.”

For more information, contact:

Save AR Students 2019
Event Director: Trevor Villines
ASG Director of External Relations
501-672-8515
[email protected]

WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announces the launch of an enhanced system to help more than 1,500 registered drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide more effectively identify potential illicit drug diversion and combat the opioid epidemic.

On Oct. 24, 2018, President Trump signed into law the “Substance Use–Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act,” or the “SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act” (Public Law 115-217). A provision in the bill amends 21 U.S.C. 827, requiring the Drug Enforcement Administration to provide drug manufacturers and distributors with access to anonymized information through the Automated Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) to help drug manufacturers and distributors identify, report, and stop suspicious orders of opioids and reduce diversion rates.

ARCOS is a comprehensive drug reporting system that monitors the distribution of controlled substances from the point of manufacture through commercial drug supply chain channels to the point of sale to the retail level (e.g., practitioners, pharmacies, hospitals/clinics). ARCOS does not contain or collect any data on sales to ultimate users (i.e., patients).

In February 2018, DEA launched a new tool in its ARCOS Online Reporting System to assist drug manufacturers and distributors with their regulatory obligations under the Controlled Substances Act.  The new statutory requirement in the SUPPORT Act builds upon this existing tool and DEA is releasing a further enhancement to its ARCOS Online Reporting System. The enhancement will allow DEA-registered manufacturers and distributors to view and download the number of distributors and the amount (anonymized data in both grams and dosage units) each distributor sold to a prospective customer in the last available six months of data. This resource is one of many steps DEA is taking to collaborate with its 1.8 million registrants to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States.

DEA regulations require distributors to both know their customers and develop a system to identify and report suspicious orders. Manufacturers and distributors have consistently expressed a desire for assistance from DEA in fulfilling these obligations and have requested ARCOS information to help them make informed decisions about whether new customers are purchasing excessive quantities of controlled substances. This new tool will provide valuable information for distributors to consider as part of their assessment. For example, if a query resulted in a large number of suppliers who have recently sold unusual quantities of opioid analgesics to a prospective purchaser, this may represent a “red flag” to the new distributor and foster a dialogue between that distributor and the pharmacy.

Funding from Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas Continues to Expand Availability and Usage of Naloxone to Reduce Overdose Deaths in the State

February 21, 2019, Little Rock, AR— Through a $150,000 grant provided by the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, efforts are underway at the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) to continue expanding the availability and usage of naloxone by providing kits containing this lifesaving drug to 1,390 Arkansas first responders. Naloxone is a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid drug overdose if administered in time and followed up appropriately.

“We are so grateful to the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas for their continued investment in this program,” said CJI Director Dr. Cheryl May. “Too many families in Arkansas have experienced the loss of a loved one due to an opioid overdose. By equipping first responders with naloxone, additional lives can be saved and families can be spared this loss.”

On Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, Curtis Barnett, President and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Patrick O’Sullivan, Executive Director of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, & the University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt presented a ceremonial check to Dr. May and Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane.

“Through the efforts of the Blue & You Foundation, Criminal Justice Institute, and other partnerships, many lives will be saved throughout the state,” said Lane. “It is important to understand that when a life is saved by the use of a Naloxone kit – If they are alive, there is a chance of recovery. We have met several of these saved individuals, and members of their family, and found that they are now in the process of going through recovery treatment because of these events.”

This grant program will expand the number of first responders capable of saving a life with naloxone. Currently, more than 200 lives have been saved in Arkansas with the administration of this nasal spray.

“Thousands of Arkansans have been affected by opioid addiction but those numbers don’t begin to tell the story of the devastation this crisis has had on the lives of real people and real families,” said Curtis Barnett. “At Arkansas Blue Cross, we believe it’s important to connect people to treatment and resources to help fight opioid abuse, and an important part of that work is to make naloxone more accessible.  The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is proud once again to support the University of Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute and state drug director Kirk Lane as we expand the availability of naloxone kits to even more of our local law enforcement agencies to help them to continue to save lives.”

Through this grant program, at least thirty-five (35) municipal, campus, county and state law enforcement and first responder agencies will receive naloxone kits. Each kit consists of two 4mg doses of naloxone, nitrile gloves, a CPR face shield, hand sanitizer, drug treatment information, and a carrier. Equipped with these kits, law enforcement and other first responders can more effectively respond to opioid overdoses, potentially preventing overdose deaths.

Prior to receiving naloxone kits, participating agencies must execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a medical director in their community and implement a model department policy regarding naloxone administration. Each first responder receiving a naloxone kit must also complete a two-hour online training through the Criminal Justice Institute demonstrating the proper use of naloxone.

ABOUT THE BLUE & YOU FOUNDATION

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield established the Blue & You Foundation in 2001 as a charitable foundation to promote better health in Arkansas. The Blue & You Foundation awards grants annually to non-profit or governmental organizations and programs that positively affect the health of Arkansans. In its 17 years of operation, the Blue & You Foundation has awarded more than $33 million to 1,566 health improvement programs in Arkansas.

ABOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE

The Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) is a division of the University of Arkansas System that provides programs and services designed to enhance proficiency and professionalism within the Arkansas law enforcement community. CJI delivers advanced training in progressive areas of criminal justice, including law enforcement leadership and management, forensic sciences, computer technologies, illicit drug investigations, and school, traffic, and officer safety. By providing these services, CJI assists law enforcement agencies in positively impacting not only public safety, but also the economic viability of communities across the State.

by Virginia A. Stanick, Ph.D.

[DAABHS Research Project Analyst]

*Copies will be distributed to Physicians and other medical professionals (prescribers) in the near future – courtesy of the Office of Arkansas Drug Director, Arkansas Department of Human Services and AFMC.

rkansas continues to have opioid/narcotic prescription rates that are much greater than most other states. Medical professionals throughout Arkansas will soon be receiving a useful resource to add to their professional toolkits in the battle to bring our state’s opioid prescription rates to a level in line with—or better than—national standards. The Arkansas Department of Human Services/Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS) will soon be delivering to physicians across the state, a “pocket guide” entitled, “The ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Use of Medications in the Treatment of Addiction Involving Opioid Use.”

This practice guideline contains much more information than its title might imply. ASAM (The American Society for Addiction Medicine), a professional organization in the field of addiction medicine, was founded in 1954. ASAM remains a thought-leader in areas related to addiction medicine; the organization has produced many publications of the type to be distributed to Arkansas medical practitioners, as well as policy, advocacy, and position papers related to preventing and treating drug misuse. This “Opioid Practice Guideline” not only provides clear, concise material to help medical professionals recognize, diagnose, and treat patients with Opioid Use Disorder; it also has a wealth of additional information related to treating complex cases. The Arkansas-customized version of this book includes pages with Arkansas State Medical Board rules and regulations on opioid prescribing and a checklist for prescribers to use when considering prescribing an opioid medication for chronic pain.

To assure as many physicians as possible will receive this very useful book (that is literally “pocket-sized,” so it can be comfortably carried and always accessible), DAABHS is collaborating with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Department of Continuing Education, to send copies to all Arkansas doctors listed on the Department’s mailing list. The pocket guide will be accompanied by a letter from State Drug Director, Kirk Lane, who strongly supports this professional education effort. An initial shipment of 8,000 books is being prepared for shipment statewide. DAABHS will focus next on broadening the scope of this guideline distribution by sending similar packets to other groups of professionals and hopes to reach all those with licenses that permit them prescribing privileges.

DAABHS has been awarded several grants by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration), a branch of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Those grants support a variety of programs to reduce the impact of problem drug use, as well as preventing the development of drug misuse with the many negative effects it creates. This ASAM Opioid Guideline project is one of many parts of Arkansas’s “State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis” grant program. One major aim of the program is to reshape the way prescription pain medications are used, by educating both community members and medical professionals.

In the ongoing effort to combat the Opioid Epidemic in Arkansas, the DEA, U.S. Attorney’s Office, and 12th/21st Judicial District Drug Task Force, executed two federal search warrants and four federal inspection warrants over the last three days in Sebastian, Franklin and Logan Counties. U.S. Attorney Duane Kees said the DEA has a major enforcement operation in the Fort Smith Division and the search warrants are part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug abuse during the current opioid crisis. The DEA, New Orleans Field Division, said last week that two pain clinics in the Fort Smith area of Arkansas are part of an ongoing investigation.

Any future comments on this case will be issued through press releases from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas. Any individual with information regarding prescription drug abuse and overdoses should contact their local DEA office.