News

Opioids Education and Awareness symposium set for Oct. 30

A symposium on the opioids crisis in Arkansas is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 30, 8:30 a.m. at UA-Pulaski Tech Little Rock - South Celebrity Chef Theater at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute (CAHMI).

The symposium is free of charge and open to the public.

The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis that affects all levels of society. Opioids have been prescribed in Arkansas at almost two times the national average, creating major health, social, and economic problems.

Main speakers:

• Landry Kamdem Kamdem, Pharm. D, Ph.D.; Pharmacologist, Keynote Speaker, Harding University
• Lanita, S. White, Pharm. D; Pharmacist, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• Mariana M. Matute, Pharm. D; Pharmacist, Walgreens Pharmacy Company
• Captain Jim Hansard; Law Enforcement Officer, Maumelle Police Department
• Stephanie Woodbury; Student, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech College
• Crystal Bell; Student, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech College
• Jim Porter, M.S; Pathological Physiology, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech College
• M. M. Matute, Ph.D.; Pathological Anatomy, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech College

“This is a subject of profound importance to the people of Arkansas,” said Dr. M. M. Matute, UA-PTC Instructor of Human Anatomy and Physiology, and symposium organizer. “The unfortunate fact of the matter is that opioids addiction can and does affect people in all walks of life. Education is the key to preventing this scourge.”