Collaboration at the Center of Prevention and Recovery

Having experienced substance abuse in his own family and worked in law enforcement, Arkansas State Drug Director Tom Fisher brings a perspective shaped by both personal loss and public service. Those experiences have strengthened his commitment to prevention, recovery, and building stronger partnerships across communities.

The addiction he has witnessed—both personally and professionally—has fueled a desire to "be everything I can be to help people through that challenge." That mindset drives what Fisher describes as "an all gas mentality," a commitment to confronting the issue directly.

Fisher emphasized the importance of understanding what communities are experiencing in real time so data, partnerships, and resources can work together to create meaningful action.

"I feel challenged with the responsibility that i need to know what's happening across the state."

At the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force Summit, Fisher emphasized that responding to substance abuse requires more than isolated efforts. Prevention, intervention, law enforcement, treatment providers, healthcare systems, schools, faith communities, and local leaders all play a role in creating healthier outcomes.

Rather than focusing on a single solution, Fisher described the importance of an "opioid task force mindset"—one rooted in shared responsibility between community partners and law enforcement.

Data and trends can provide insight into what communities are facing, but Fisher emphasized that progress comes through collaboration. Communities must understand their own demographics, identify who is most impacted, and intentionally reach those populations with prevention and recovery efforts.

He encouraged attendees to think differently about how they approach challenges related to substance use. Addressing the issue requires people who are willing to look beyond traditional silos and form new partnerships that can meet needs more effectively.

For Fisher, collaboration is not an abstract idea—it is the force behind meaningful change.

"The level of effort and commitment we do...those investments that we see in the communities are all working as force multipliers. You can't describe how much that is. Its not one thing. Its everything."

That message resonated throughout the summit as speakers and attendees discussed how communities can work together to strengthen prevention and support recovery.

Fisher also pointed to the unique role churches and faith-based organizations can play in supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. Their presence in communities often allows them to build trust, walk alongside people in difficult seasons, and provide support that extends beyond formal systems.

At the heart of those efforts is the belief that healing is possible.

The work of prevention and recovery, Fisher explained, is not only about reducing statistics or addressing immediate crises. It is about helping restore the health of the individual, strengthening families, and creating healthier communities.

The challenge is complex, but Fisher believes the path forward is clear and he encourages providers and leaders at the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force Summit to "bring everyone to the table."