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Communities in Baxter and Marion Counties are joining a global effort to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose, amid encouraging news of declining overdose rates in Arkansas.
International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on August 31, aims to increase understanding of overdose, reduce stigma associated with drug-related deaths, and promote changes to reduce harm from drug use.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Arkansas drug overdose deaths declined 13.7% from 2023 compared to 2022, outpacing the national decline of 5.1%. Arkansas reported 510 overdose deaths in 2023, down from 591 in 2022.
Kirk Lane, director of the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership, attributes this drop partly to increased emphasis on naloxone distribution. “This decrease marks a monumental step toward our goal of zero drug overdose deaths,” Lane said.
The Partnership has contributed $2,675,000 toward Narcan (brand name for Naloxone) distribution, with over 50 community partners distributing 39,384 kits. Additionally, about 80,000 people have been trained in how to use Naloxone.
These efforts are part of a larger initiative stemming from a 2018 lawsuit against pharmaceutical manufacturers. The resulting settlements will bring more than $200 million to Arkansas over 18 years to combat opioid addiction. Already, $23 million has been granted to organizations for treatment and prevention programs.
Recent legislation has also played a crucial role. Act 651 of 2021 mandates Naloxone prescription for people with a documented history of opioid use. Act 586 of 2023 expands access to Naloxone, allowing prescriptions to family members of at-risk individuals and employees of various institutions. Act 811 of 2023 requires Naloxone kits to be available at all public schools and state-supported colleges in Arkansas, with mandatory training for freshmen.
Despite these positive developments, Arkansas still faces challenges. In 2022, for every 100 people in the state, more than 80 opioid prescriptions were filled. While this is an improvement from 2018’s rate of 93 prescriptions per 100 residents, it remains concernedly high.
In Northern Arkansas, the PREVENTION AWARENESS YOUTH SUPPORT COALITION (PAYS), a group of citizens from Baxter and Marion Counties, has worked with local governments to have August 31 recognized with official proclamations.
“By coming together to remember them, we stand together to say that more needs to be done to end overdose in our community,” said Carry Manuel, PAYS Coalition Chair.
Despite the decline, officials caution that the crisis is far from over. Nationally, over 100,000 Americans lost their lives to overdose in 2023, and experts warn it’s too early to draw long-term conclusions from the current downturn.
This year’s theme, “Together we can,” emphasizes collective strength in supporting those impacted by overdose.
Baxter and Marion County officials, along with the cities of Mountain Home and Yellville, have issued proclamations recognizing the day.
For more information about the overdose crisis, visit overdoseday.com.
