In a significant step toward combating the state’s ongoing drug crisis, the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP) announced that seven coalitions will be receiving a Federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant, including a grant to the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force.
Tom Fisher, the Arkansas State Drug Director, and Hobe Runion, Sheriff of Sebastian County and chair of the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force, highlighted how these grants are being used to address substance abuse issues at the community level, with a focus on education, prevention, and collaboration.
Fisher emphasized the critical role the funds play in supporting local communities, each of which faces unique challenges. “The opioid settlement funds are being directed straight to the heart of our communities, where they are most needed,” Fisher said. “Our numbers are getting better, with a slight decrease in fentanyl-related deaths, but the battle is far from over, especially as we see an increase in methamphetamine-related deaths.”
Fisher highlighted the importance of a community-driven approach, noting that each area has different needs and priorities. “We are giving these communities the most relevant and timely data to help them respond effectively. The goal is to be both strategic and tactical in addressing substance abuse at the local level. It’s not just about distributing funds; it’s about fostering partnerships focused on family,” Fischer added.
Sheriff Hobe Runion, who is chair of the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force, echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the funding and outlining how the grants will be utilized. “We started with a smaller grant and that initial funding allowed us to build the foundation to secure this larger grant,” Runion said. “We have a coalition that includes schools, recovery organizations, churches, and community partners like the 100 Families Initiative and Restore Hope. Our focus is on awareness and education, particularly within schools.”
Runion stressed that the coalition’s efforts go beyond enforcement, aiming instead at prevention and long-term solutions. “This isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. We’ve learned that incarceration alone does not work. By addressing these issues on the front end, we hope to reduce the impact on the back end,” he noted.
The grant is being used to implement programs that educate students about the dangers of substance abuse, an approach that Runion believes will create lasting change. “We are piloting this initiative in select schools with the hope of expanding it throughout the community.”
Runion also emphasized the critical nature of partnerships in achieving success. “We started with just a handful of people and no funding, borrowing space from local hospitals to hold meetings. Today, thanks to the support of our community partners, we have grown into a more robust coalition. This grant is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration.”
Both Fisher and Runion stressed the importance of being accountable stewards of the funds, using evidence-based approaches to maximize impact. “This is a chance to swing the pendulum in the right direction,” Runion said. “We are committed to using these funds wisely and making a real difference in the lives of those affected by the opioid crisis.”
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