Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has expanded the state’s One Pill Can Kill initiative to another college campus, bringing opioid awareness and overdose response training to students at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM).
Griffin joined UACCM Chancellor Lisa Willenberg to announce the program’s arrival at the college, making it the 14th higher education campus in Arkansas to participate in the initiative.
UACCM is also the third community college in the state to join the effort, which focuses on educating young people about the dangers of illegal opioids, including fentanyl.
The announcement was followed by a training session for student leaders. Participants received information about the risks associated with illicit opioids, how to recognize the warning signs of an overdose and how to administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
The program is intended to help students understand the dangers of taking pills obtained from illegal sources while preparing them to respond when someone may be experiencing an overdose.
More than 2,700 students trained since initiative began in 2024
According to Griffin, the One Pill Can Kill initiative has reached thousands of students since it was introduced in 2024.
The attorney general said more than 2,700 students have already completed training through the program, with additional college campuses still scheduled to participate.
Griffin emphasized the importance of involving young people in efforts to reduce opioid overdoses and deaths across Arkansas.
“UACCM is the 14th college campus in Arkansas and the third community college to join the One Pill Can Kill initiative. Today’s announcement was followed by a training for student leaders to educate them about the dangers of illicit opioids, help them know the signs of an overdose, and train them on how to deploy naloxone in the event of an overdose.
“We’ve brought the One Pill Can Kill initiative to campuses all over Arkansas, and at every school we’ve visited, I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm of the students we’ve engaged. Having young people recognize the threat of illicit opioids and step up to help address it is incredibly important for our state’s future.
“We’ve trained more than 2,700 students since we kicked off One Pill Can Kill in 2024, and we still have campuses to visit. Reports show that illicit opioid overdoses and deaths are declining, but that doesn’t mean our work is finished. We need to do everything we can to educate young people on making wise decisions. With illicit drugs that are often blended with fentanyl shipped from China to Mexico and then smuggled into the United States, what might seem like a harmless choice to take a pill at a party could be the last decision a person ever makes. We’re helping avoid those tragedies through this training.”
Although reports indicate that deaths and overdoses involving illicit opioids have been decreasing, Griffin stressed that continued education remains necessary.
He also warned that illegally obtained pills can contain fentanyl, making it difficult for people to know what substances they may be taking.
The initiative seeks to address these dangers by giving students practical knowledge that could help them protect themselves and others.
UACCM leaders emphasize student safety and overdose prevention
Chancellor Lisa Willenberg welcomed the opportunity for UACCM to participate in the statewide initiative.
She said the program supports the college’s commitment to student safety while providing information that could also benefit the surrounding community.
“UACCM is grateful to be included in the One Pill Can Kill initiative launched by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin. This program increases awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and can help prevent overdoses among young people in our state.
“The safety of our students is of utmost importance, and this effort will give both our students and our community the knowledge and tools to save lives. Our hope is that it will not only ensure students make responsible choices for themselves but also educate them on how to respond if they suspect a potential overdose of an individual in their presence.”
The training places particular attention on preparing student leaders to recognize dangerous situations and take appropriate action when an overdose is suspected.
By teaching participants about overdose warning signs and the use of naloxone, organizers hope to improve awareness and strengthen emergency response knowledge among young adults.
The initiative also encourages students to think carefully about the risks of illegal drugs and the potentially deadly consequences of taking pills from unknown sources.
With UACCM now participating, the One Pill Can Kill program continues its expansion across Arkansas colleges and universities.
Griffin’s office plans to reach additional campuses as the initiative continues, building on the training already provided to more than 2,700 students since 2024.
The latest event at UACCM represents another step in the state’s efforts to educate young people about illicit opioids and help prevent overdose tragedies through awareness and practical training.
