U of A faculty member receives $5,900 worth of Narcan to distribute across NWA
A visiting assistant professor of social work at the University of Arkansas has been awarded more than $5,900 worth of overdose reversal medicine from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP) to distribute across Northwest Arkansas.
Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, is a medication that can reverse an overdose induced by opioids when administered promptly.
By: Delaney Van Wilpe
5 News
A visiting assistant professor of social work at the University of Arkansas has been awarded more than $5,900 worth of overdose reversal medicine from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (AORP) to distribute across Northwest Arkansas.
Naloxone, more commonly known as Narcan, is a medication that can reverse an overdose induced by opioids when administered promptly.
Christiane C. Long, a faculty member at the U of A, received the medication as a part of AORP's Naloxone Hero Project. The project essentially encourages people in Arkansas communities to apply for credit to use at their Naloxone Bank. Those who apply are referred to by AORP as "heroes." Not only do the heroes distribute the naloxone to those in their community, but they also host trainings on how to administer the drug.
"An opioid overdose can occur from fentanyl, heroin, or prescription opioid medications," Long said. "Naloxone is easy to use and convenient to carry. Any community members who want to carry naloxone to save someone from an overdose can receive free doses and training through this program."
Now that Long has received credit for the Naloxone Bank, she will begin distributing free kits across Benton and Washington counties to individuals, families, civic organizations, nonprofit organizations, and more. For each kit, she will also train the community on how to administer naloxone as well as information on substance use and addiction.
Read more here.
