University of Central Arkansas to launch peer recovery support program fueled by $200,000-plus opioid settlement

CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas is developing a program to use the settlement it received through the national opioid settlement to fight opioid addiction and abuse in the community.

University officials said the $202,000 received from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership will be used to establish and operate a peer recovery and support specialist program at the school and within Faulkner County, Conway and the surrounding area.

The program will consist of two peer support and recovery specialists and graduate-level interns who will oversee and implement educational activities through the UCA Cares Clinic, officials said.

The program will partner with the Conway Police Department’s Community Crisis Response Team.

University representatives said the intended clients for the program include college students who struggle with substance abuse and people discharged from Conway Regional Medical Center’s Substance Abuse Treatment and Detox Unit.

Program director Stephanie Rose said the program will empower participants.

“The purpose of the proposed program is to empower community members, including families and college students to understand the impact of opioids, treatment options, proper use of Naloxone and the Revive AR app, as well as ways to support prevention and recovery interventions,” Rose said.

The two-year fund began July 1 and will run until July 1, 2026.

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