Arkansas Expands Opioid Training to UAMS Campus
Students at UAMS are learning to identify opioid overdoses and administer life-saving naloxone.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has joined the One Pill Can Kill initiative, a state-led program aimed at combating opioid overdoses on college campuses. This effort provides students with hands-on training to identify overdose signs and respond effectively.
Why it matters
By equipping student leaders with life-saving skills like naloxone administration and fentanyl testing, this initiative seeks to improve campus safety and increase bystander intervention during potential opioid emergencies.
The initiative has expanded to include 15 college campuses, with 20 total training sessions conducted in Arkansas. It remains unknown how many students have completed the training or how program expansion will correlate with future overdose trends.
The players
Tim Griffin
The Arkansas Attorney General who manages the opioid settlement funds used to support the One Pill Can Kill initiative.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
A Little Rock-based institution focused on health sciences education and patient care that recently joined the overdose prevention program.
The details
The program teaches students how to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose and how to safely use naloxone to reverse respiratory depression. Participants also learn how to test substances for the presence of fentanyl. These skills are designed to empower students to intervene in high-risk situations before emergency medical services arrive.
Timeline
The initiative launched at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2024.
The program expanded to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences on October 26, 2026.
Health Landscape
This effort is part of a broader shift toward integrating harm reduction training into higher education settings. It utilizes proceeds from national opioid settlement funds to direct resources toward campus-based prevention strategies.
Students and staff should monitor campus communication channels to identify when upcoming naloxone and fentanyl testing training sessions occur. Those interested in carrying naloxone or learning more about opioid safety should consult with their local student health services.
The takeaway
Recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose is a critical skill for any community member. If you are concerned about potential risks, consider learning how to properly administer naloxone, which is available in many regions through public health initiatives and local pharmacies.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to address substance use in the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KLRT - FOX16.com.
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Should universities provide mandatory training for students to respond to potential opioid overdoses on campus?
