NEWS

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Right now, there’s a war being waged against Arkansas individuals and businesses. But it’s a battle we can and should win.

Arkansas currently has the highest opioid dispensing rate in the U.S., and there were 388 predicted overdose deaths in Arkansas in 2024. These numbers represent the harrowing toll opioids take on families, homes, and communities across our nation.

Together Arkansas, an opioid response education initiative founded by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Associated Industries of Arkansas and Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, works to educate employers on drug-related issues and the vital role businesses play in achieving a ready, drug-free workforce. Every Arkansan lost to opioid overdose serves as a powerful reminder that we’re in this together. By raising our voices in unison, we can work toward a healthier, drug-free workforce.

Their Health is Your Business

Opioid use disorder affects every business, from brick and mortars in small towns to corporations headquartered in big cities. In 2023, an analysis from Avalere estimated that opioid use disorder (OUD) and fatal opioid overdoses resulted in $4 trillion in economic losses. For every 100 individuals living in the U.S., there are 37.5 opioid prescriptions written for medical use. In Arkansas, this number nearly doubles to an astounding 71.5.

Seventy nine percent of employers indicated that they’re concerned with OUD negatively affecting the workforce. An untreated substance use disorder (SUD) can cost a business anywhere from $8,255 to $14,000 per employee. These issues often result in good people being let go, all because they fell victim to the business of improper use of a prescription medication.

For working individuals, these prescriptions can be the difference between returning to work to pay bills and put food on the table, or spiraling painfully out of control and possibly into medical debt. As an employer, it’s your duty to provide the highest level of support for your customers and your employees. This is where Together Arkansas comes in.

In the Business of Better Education

The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership has joined forces with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and other city and county partners to utilize opioid settlement dollars to expand and refresh Together Arkansas’s online course and business toolkit. This toolkit will empower or further assist employers in combatting opioid-use disorder.

The online course consists of five modules, which provide an overview of the legal and operational issues employers face when addressing an employee’s use of opioids and other substances. Here, business owners and managers can learn where to refer employees that need assistance, how to

develop policies and procedures, best practices for drug testing and other options available for employees returning to work. Employers can download fact sheets, posters, rack cards, videos, and a PowerPoint slide deck from Together Arkansas’ business toolkit, which includes assets that can be printed for promotional use in office spaces or community areas.

By taking a stand with Together Arkansas, you’re electing to see the person behind everything your business does, not the addiction. And that can relieve a different kind of pain.

Preparation Now, Prevention Later

Arkansas protects individuals under the Joshua Ashley-Pauley Act. “Good Samaritan” laws like the Joshua Ashley-Pauley Act protect those who witness or experience an opioid-related overdose from some legal repercussions if they contact 911 for assistance or seek medical attention. Spreading this message in your organization is an important step, as it encourages team leaders and management to prepare, prevent, and respond.

Arkansas law also makes naloxone, an opioid-overdose prevention drug, available to any individual concerned about the risk of overdose without civil liability. The medication is covered by most insurance plans and can be purchased over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. Together Arkansas highly recommends that employers inquire about carrying naloxone in their place of business. You may never need it, but if you do, you’ll be ready. The Arkansas Opioid Partnership enables easy access to establishing naloxone programs through their Naloxone HERO project.

For step-by-step instructions on how to use naloxone and take action in an overdose, individuals can download the ReviveAR app. The app provides instructions in English, Spanish, and Marshallese, in both written and audio formats.

ReviveAR also provides access to opioid prevention treatment and recovery resources alongside support opportunities for families who may be struggling. The app can be downloaded for free in the App Store and Google Play Store.

For immediate assistance, call 1-800-662-HELP to reach The National Drug Addiction Helpline or 1-844-763-0198 to get into contact with The Arkansas Mental Health & Addiction Support Line.

It Takes a Village

Education around Arkansas’ opioid epidemic starts with all of us. As employers. As employees. As Arkansans. Together, and only together, we can create a healthier, drug-free workplace for our state.

To learn more about our mission and how you can get involved, please visit TogetherArkansas.comSee the original article