Spring break is almost here, and it is no secret that this time of year sees an increase in high-risk behavior. Luckily, Pat Walker Health Center's Substance Education, Assessment and Recovery program is hosting three days of events that make up "Safe Spring Break," where students can learn more about health and safety tips prior to leaving for spring break.  

Sexual Health and Safety 

Monday, March 13
Tonight's event will take place in the Pat Walker Health Center's classroom 1118 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Georgiann Weaver, APRN from the GYN (Women's) Clinic in the health center, will talk about sexual health, the "It's on Us" campaign to stop campus sexual assault, and there will be information from the Sexual Health Outreach Organization, or SHOO, a registered student organization.  

Cut Loose, Have Fun and Stay Safe 

Tuesday, March 14
Tuesday night's event will take place in the Union Theatre from 5-7 p.m. and will consist of several guest speakers.  

• The first to speak will be the Razorback Offering Accountability Resources RSO. ROAR provides programming to reduce alcohol misuse and abuse behaviors among a variety of student populations through a campuswide effort to help U of A students make better choices regarding alcohol usage.  

• Second, the Pink Bows Foundation, whose mission is to promote "stronger safety protocols to be consistently implemented at entertainment venues, while providing safe spaces and protecting attendees to prevent avoidable injuries or death" will speak. The Pink Bows Foundation was founded following the tragic loss of Madison Alexis Dubiski, who lost her life while attending the Astroworld music festival at the age of 23 on Nov. 5, 2021, in Houston, Texas. 

• Third, Kim Hodus, a motivational speaker who lost her son Rob Hodous to substance abuse, will speak. Rob was a tennis pro at Mount Sequoyah, strung rackets for the U of A tennis team and was one of the U of A tennis teams' biggest fans.  

• Finally, the Matt Adams Foundation, whose mission is to fund "distribution of lifesaving naloxone opioid overdose reversal kits and other harm reduction services, while working to break down the stigma and encourage hope, healing and second chances." The Matt Adams Foundation will provide a brief naloxone training and hand out naloxone kits at the end of the event.  

Create Spring Break Safety Kits 

Wednesday, March 15
Wednesday's event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Union Mall. This tabling event is a collaboration between SEAR and UARK Wellness. Students will create their own "Spring Break Safety Kit" by visiting several tables. There will be free Mamaka Bowls (while they last, courtesy of UARK Wellness), music and resources such as naloxone, cup covers and more!  

The Matt Adams Foundation will also be at this event, along with several on-campus departments and student organizations including representatives from PWHC, CAPS, UAPD, UREC, UARK Wellness, Chartwells, Study Abroad, Saferide, SHOO, ROAR and Hogs for Health. 

SEAR hopes that you will come to one, if not all, of the Safe Spring Break events to learn more about health and safety before heading into spring break. To learn more about the SEAR program and the resources they have available, visit health.uark.edu.