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New program from USDA targets opioid epidemic

The USDA is investing nearly $1 million to proactively prevent opioid and substance abuse in north-central and northeast Arkansas.  The Delta Understanding and Preventing Substance and Opioid Abuse in Rurality (Delta UPSOAR) program will offer preventative training, education, and resources to youth and adults in Baxter, Fulton, Izard, Sharp, and Stone counties. 

According to the CDC, Arkansas ranks second in the nation for opioid prescription rates and the Delta region has been greatly impacted by opioid and other forms of substance abuse.

The program will be led by Winrock International in partnership with Ozarka College and the UAMS Institute for Digital Health and Innovation.  It will provide presentations, community events, online learning modules, and hands-on overdose simulation training and help residents in the five counties to recognize drug dependence, seek help through area treatment and counseling centers, prevent drug exposure, dependence, and overdose, and how to react and respond to an overdose.