The Arkansas Attorney General’s Office is teaming up with Northwest Arkansas Community College to offer free training on how to administer life-saving Narcan, aiming to curb the rising tide of fentanyl overdoses in northwest Arkansas.
Northwest Arkansas Community College will host the “One Pill Can Kill” opioid training session in the Becky Paneitz Student Center on Sept. 9. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin will kick off the event with remarks beginning at 10 a.m., followed by a lunch and opioid awareness session.
This comes as state and local leaders continue to push for awareness regarding the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which has become increasingly prevalent in drug supplies across the country and right here in Arkansas. The initiative, known as Griffin’s “One Pill Can Kill,” focuses on equipping colleges and communities with the tools necessary to prevent overdose fatalities.
For NWACC students, staff, and the wider community in Bentonville and Rogers, the event offers a practical life skill alongside a free meal. Participants in the second half of the program will receive hands-on instruction on how to identify the signs of an opioid overdose and properly administer Narcan (Naloxone).
Beyond the immediate training, the program is backed by state opioid settlement funds. AG Griffin’s office notes that these funds are used to supply resources like the Naloxone purchased for event participants, ensuring that those who want to help have the means to do so.
Why it matters on campus
College campuses across the region are not immune to the substance use crisis affecting the state. Initiatives like this provide an accessible way for young adults and faculty to be prepared if they ever encounter a crisis.
NWACC has become a central hub for education and workforce development in the area, serving thousands of students annually. Hosting such a critical health workshop aligns with the college’s ongoing commitment to student well-being and community wellness.
Mark your calendar
If you are on campus or want to support the initiative, the training is open to NWACC students and employees. In a state that has seen too many overdose deaths, having Narcan readily available is increasingly viewed as standard safety equipment—much like a fire extinguisher in a dorm room.
The Sept. 9 event is expected to draw strong attendance to learn more about harm reduction. Attending is a simple way to ensure you’re prepared to help save a life if the situation arises in the future.
When: Sept. 9
Time: 10 a.m. (remarks) followed by lunch and training
Where: Becky Paneitz Student Center, NWACC
Contact: For more information on the Arkansas Attorney General’s “One Pill Can Kill” initiative, visit the Arkansas Attorney General’s website.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
