Add energy to RAAD’s mission to build a healthier Arkansas

Rise Above Alcohol and Drugs (RAAD) partners know our combined efforts make a difference.

Increased public awareness and provider education have reduced the opioid prescription rate significantly. In 2015, the estimated rate of opioid prescriptions per 100 Arkansas residents was 118. In 2021, that rate had dropped to 75.

As a result of statewide training and distribution of naloxone, more than 1,700 lives have been saved in overdose incidents.

Help us build on this success!

Start Small

On an individual level, small actions add up. There are many easy ways to help us build momentum.

• Counter misperceptions or stigma about substance use in your daily interactions.
• Monitor, secure, and safely dispose of your prescription medications through ARTakeBack.
• Share what you learn. Share a Facebook post or put up a flyer on a workplace wall.
• Volunteer with one of our programs, such as OPAL or the Arkansas Collegiate Network.

I like having something to do. It helps me have some meaning in my life. I don’t want to be just sitting around watching TV.
– OPAL volunteer of the year, Ms. Susan May, age 87.

Riley Almond video –upload to YouTube and provide link? Or submit video to Stone Ward directly?

Bring training to your organization

Education is the key to reducing substance use risks. RAAD partners teach evidence-based prevention strategies through online and in-person programs throughout the state. First responders, medical providers, educators, and college students can learn practical steps to make their communities safer.

Learn more about our training options.

Work with RAAD programs

We fund a variety of large-scale programs to expand prevention efforts in Arkansas. Some operate statewide and have a broad prevention scope, while others target specific communities, age groups or substance use problems. RAAD programs share resources and provide technical assistance to organizations that want to implement effective prevention strategies.

Find out which programs match your community’s needs.

Education is the key to saving lives!

RAAD partners deliver engaging training sessions and education programs to a variety of audiences. All trainings share the latest research and best practices to prevent substance use disorders, overdose, and death.

Contact us if you are interested in bringing one of these training programs to your community.

MIDSOUTH Substance Abuse Online Training

MidSOUTH is a training and education organization that equips practitioners, providers, and advocates with the essential tools to empower oppressed and vulnerable populations and make community-wide improvements through continuing education in the areas of child welfare, healthy families/family support, prevention, and addiction. 

Online Training Courses:

S23OL001S1 (Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse)

S23OL001S2 (Heroin, Cocaine and Other Drugs)

S23OL001S3 (Marjiuana and Other Drugs)

S23OL001S4 (Tobacco)

S23OL001S5 (Alcohol)

S23OL001S6 (Substance Abuse and the Military)

For more information about MidSOUTH’s programs and services, please explore this website.

The Naloxone Project

More than 1,700 lives have been saved through the Arkansas Naloxone Project! 

The Naloxone Project trains first responders, school nurses and librarians to identify and respond to symptoms of opioid overdose. Participants are taught to administer naloxone, an FDA-approved medication that can reverse the effects of the overdose. Participants receive a naloxone kit at the end of training.

Opioid Prevention for Aging and Longevity (OPAL)

Healthcare providers, mature adults, and their health providers receive training on opioid pain medications, non-opioid pain medications, and integrative medicine therapies like tai chi, yoga, mindfulness meditation, and other therapies for the management of chronic pain.

Normally I took aspirin, but I don’t even take it now. When I had my left knee operation a year ago, I only took the pain medicine as necessary. Now, I only take Advil if the pain is severe, and it helps.
– OPAL Participant

Training for College Campuses

The Arkansas Collegiate Network provides training and resources to increase access to naloxone (or Narcan) overdose reversal medication on college campuses. It allows bystander rescuers to save the lives of victims of opioid overdose by using strategically placed smart cabinets, called “Naloxboxes.”