AR SR23

Proclaims March 11-15, 2019, as "Save AR Students Week" to raise public awareness on substance abuse and the opioid epidemic.

Notes that Arkansas had the second-highest opioid prescription rate in the country in 2017 at 105.4 per 100 persons according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Identifies youth ages 18-20 as at highest risk for illicit drug use at 22.7% according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Commends 19 Arkansas higher education institutions (including the University of Arkansas system campuses and community colleges) for joining together to combat substance abuse across their campuses and the state.

Recognizes that addressing over-prescription and misuse of opioids and increased illicit drug use greatly benefits the state and its residents.