Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Save AR Students Campaign?

Save AR Students is an awareness campaign directed towards education and prevention of substance misuse with special focus on public and private institutions of higher education in the state of Arkansas.

When is the Save AR Students Campaign?

Save AR Students Campaign is a week-long event that occurs in both the Spring and Fall semester of each year during the week leading up to Arkansas Drug Take Back Day. This Fall, it starts Monday, October 24th at 9 A.M. on the steps of the state capital. Arkansas Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 29th, at McCain Mall in North Little Rock.

Why is the Save AR Students campaign important?

• 70,980 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2019.
• 444 drug overdose deaths occurred in Arkansas in 2018.
• 25% of college students report suffering academic consequences related to drinking, including skipped classes, lower test scores, and lower grades overall.
• 1,825 college students between the ages of 18-25 die annually due to accidental, alcohol-related injuries.
• Learn more.

Is the Save AR Students Campaign Kickoff Mandatory?

Our kickoff is not mandatory events. However, we are encouraging our collegiate network partners to join together to partake in this incredible experience aimed at abating substance misuse, enhancing social awareness, public support and general morale on the campuses of every institution of higher education in the State of Arkansas. Students and others who cannot attend the kickoff and press conference will have the opportunity to stream these events via live feed on Arkansas Drug Take Back Facebook Page.

What Activities Can My School Do During the Save AR Students Week?

Throughout the week representatives from each school are responsible for engaging with their campus population by tabling and programming. We encourage out collegiate partners to host events that align with the campaign (e.g. past event included Dose of Reality Presentation by officials from the Arkansas Department of Health, Panel Discussions, Prescription for Life Presentation by officials with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, and the viewing of Substance Abuse Documentaries/Films).

Does My School Have to Schedule Activities Every Day During Save AR Students?

Scheduling activities and events every day during Save AR Students week is highly recommended in order to increase student engagement; however, it is at the discretion of each individual institution on the number of days they would like to schedule activities.

Will there be Additional Assistance for My School?

The Division of Aging and Adult Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS) Collegiate Prevention Program Coordinator will commute to different college and university campuses daily throughout Save AR Student week to provide assistance and will utilize the DAABS Prevention Team to help provide further assistance.

How Will My School Acquire Promotional Items and Material?

DAABHS/ UALR MidSOUTH is responsible for packaging and distributing the promotional items and material to the Regional Prevention Providers (RPPs). The RPPs are then tasked with disseminating the items and material to each participating college and university.

What If My School Runs Out of Promotional Items?

Schools should promptly contact either UALR MidSOUTH, Jessica Simpson, program officer, or DAABHS, Steven Gray, Prevention Collegiate Program Coordinator.

Does My School Need to Report its Save AR Students Activities?

It’s essential that each participating college and university submit their schedule for Save AR Students week. This information is needed to complete the Spring Save AR Students 2021 Official Report, which in the spirit of transparency will be provided to the general public, state legislators and representatives.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Steven Gray, Jessica Simpson, or Ashlyn Sanders.

Contacts

Lynetta Dickerson Program Coordinator Dept. of Human Service – DAABHS lynetta.dickerson@dhs.arkansas.gov Office (501) 630-6090

Ashlyn Sanders ACN Director Arkansas Collegiate Network sanderashlyn@gmail.com

Jessica Simpson Project Officer UALR Midsouth jlsimpson@midsouth.ualr.edu Office (501) 831-9380

Participating Partners