One Night: Learn How You Can Save a Life Sept. 1

In one night, you can learn how to save a life. That's the goal of the U of A's Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery (SEAR) program. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6 - 7:30 p.m., SEAR will host its annual One Night event for students, faculty and staff on the first floor of the Pat Walker Health Center inside classrooms 1116-1118. Registration is open on HogSync.

This free event includes hands-on naloxone training with the help of SEAR Ambassadors. Through this training, guests will learn how to spot the signs of an overdose and what to do. They also will receive naloxone, fentanyl test strips, a free T-shirt while supplies last and refreshments.

"One Night has become an important tradition at SEAR," said Jennifer Morris, SEAR director. "It acknowledges the vast impact addiction has on us all. Statistics show that 50% of students on our campus have a close family member or friend who is struggling or has struggled with addiction." 

The event also is a time to remember those who have passed by recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day and kicking off National Recovery Month.

"This year's theme focuses not only on the progress we've made combating overdose, but also on the work that still needs to be done as we continue to educate others and create awareness about prevention and life-saving interventions," Morris said. "And one way to remember those we've lost to substance use is to learn how we can help others.

"Through our Stay RazorSharp campaign we're giving our university community some powerful tools by emphasizing our four S.T.A.R. pillars: stay safe, take care of yourself, address misconceptions, and reduce stigmas."

Stay RazorSharp is a reminder for Razorbacks to be vigilant when it comes to stimulants and opioids. Pay close attention to food and drink to ensure it's not tampered with. Many drugs are often colorless, odorless and tasteless - which makes them difficult to detect. 

Resources may be found on campus inside the Med Kwik vending machine, located in the Pat Walker Health Center. The vending machine gives anyone access to free Narcan, an over-the-counter opioid reversal nasal spray medication, and fentanyl harm prevention kits. To learn more about SEAR, Stay RazorSharp or the Razorback Recovery Community, visit us online or follow us on Instagram @uarksear.

About the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery (SEAR) program: SEAR provides individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis and other substance-related concerns. SEAR offers research-based prevention, early intervention and recovery support services designed to promote a learning environment that supports healthy behavior choices and raises awareness about the risks associated with alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. SEAR is a Pat Walker Health Center program and is part of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/sear. 

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.