UA Little Rock Joins ‘One Pill Can Kill’ Initiative to Combat Opioid Crisis

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has joined forces with the Office of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills through the “One Pill Can Kill” Initiative.

Attorney General Griffin spoke to students, faculty, and staff about the urgent need to educate young people on the risks of illicit opioids. The effort was announced Sept. 8 during a meet and greet with students and a press conference at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, followed by a student training session in the Donaghey Student Center that was completed by about 120 students.

“This is really important,” Griffin said. “Today is about making sure people never make that first mistake. Opioids are highly addictive, and this country has lost hundreds of thousands of Americans to them. With the illicit opioids, you have no idea what you are holding. It may look like a legitimate prescription drug, but you have no guarantee that it is. It all starts with informing people, educating people, and increasing awareness.”

Griffin, who lost his brother to opioid addiction earlier this year, emphasized that prevention and education are critical steps in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

“Our goal is to educate campuses by working through student leaders, the media, and word of mouth,” Griffin said. “We are providing training here to ensure students are prepared, including in the use of Narcan if needed. We are making progress, but this is a fight we must continue.”

UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said the partnership reflects the university’s deep commitment to student safety.

“As chancellor, I can tell you the safety, health, and well-being of our students is central to everything we do,” Drale said. “One of the most insidious and dangerous risks facing young people today is the growing presence of fentanyl and counterfeit pills. These substances are often taken unknowingly, and the consequences can be immediate and irreversible. Our responsibility is to do everything we can to keep our students safe. The reality is that it only takes one moment, one decision, one pill to change a life forever.”

Drale added that prevention starts with awareness and collaboration.

“That’s why we’re here today to partner with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office in supporting the One Pill Can Kill initiative,” she said. “We’re grateful for the leadership of the attorney general and his team in bringing this initiative to the forefront on our campus and for being a strong partner in our shared effort to keep students safe.”

The initiative is supported by opioid settlement funds managed by the Attorney General’s office. It provides resources to campuses across the state, including prevention campaigns, student trainings, fentanyl harm prevention kits, and free access to Narcan through new vending machines. One of those machines will soon be located in the Donaghey Student Center.

UA Little Rock student Braden Carr, who serves as legislative affairs officer for the Student Government Association, said the initiative is an important step forward.

“I am extremely excited to see the university and the attorney general come together to tackle this issue,” Carr said. “This program is a great first step in educating the youth on the dangers of the opioid epidemic. As a student leader, I will continue to advocate for increased education and awareness on the opioid crisis, alongside continuing to support partnerships such as this.”

The “One Pill Can Kill” initiative aims to educate students, faculty, and the broader community on how to prevent opioid misuse, recognize the warning signs of overdose, and respond effectively in emergencies.

“This is truly a statewide, multilevel, multicampus enterprise,” Griffin said. “UA Little Rock is always a great partner. It goes to quality of life. You want a healthy, thriving student body, and we have an obligation to educate and use these opioid dollars in a responsible way for opioid abatement. I am excited to be here and excited to partner with you.”