University of Central Arkansas to launch peer recovery support program fueled by $200,000-plus opioid settlement

CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas is developing a program to use the settlement it received through the national opioid settlement to fight opioid addiction and abuse in the community.

University officials said the $202,000 received from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership will be used to establish and operate a peer recovery and support specialist program at the school and within Faulkner County, Conway and the surrounding area.

The program will consist of two peer support and recovery specialists and graduate-level interns who will oversee and implement educational activities through the UCA Cares Clinic, officials said.

The program will partner with the Conway Police Department’s Community Crisis Response Team.

University representatives said the intended clients for the program include college st...