Practical Nursing students attended the annual Arkansas Prescription Drug Abuse Summit

The second and third semester Practical Nursing students attended the annual Arkansas Prescription Drug Abuse Summit at Hot Springs Convention Center on November 9, 2017. The event was hosted by Attorney General Leslie Rutlledge. The daylong event offered training and education for medical professionals, law enforcement officers, pharmacists, educators and treatment professionals.

The event educated students about the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and how it works in Arkansas and throughout the United States. Information was provided on the availability of over-the-counter naloxone to save lives from opioid overdose. The keynote speaker was a recovering addict who spoke candidly about his drug abuse and being incarcerated six times related to drug abuse. The day was ended with a Parent Panel who gave their experience with a child who had fallen into prescription drug abuse and overdose.

The event was cohosted by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, FBI, MidSOUTH Center for Prevention and Training, Office of the State Drug Director, University of Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The BRTC Foundation Special Event and Activity Support initiative provided financial assistance for hotel costs, also co-sponsored by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.