A summit to discuss opioid abuse in the Fort Smith community will be held from 12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. June 20 at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith that will include Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, state representatives, and representatives from local agencies.

 

The event, hosted by the Sebastian County Opioid Task Force, will be held in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center at UAFS, located at 800 N. 49th Street. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, visit www.mercy.net/summit.

 

The event will discuss prevention and education on opioid misuse and addiction and will include breakout sessions on topics including healthcare, education, prevention and social services. Featured speakers include Leslie Rutledge, Arkansas attorney general; Kirk Lane, Arkansas drug director; and Paul Smith with the local Drug Task Force.

 

A question-and-answer panel will also take place with State Representative Justin Boyd, Jimmie Wooding from Harbor House and area physicians, as well as representatives from local law enforcement agencies and emergency management services.

 

For more information, contact Samantha Cole, director of community health and access at Mercy, at 479-314-5061 or Samantha.cole@mercy.net.