School of Social Work Faculty Receives $5,900 in Overdose Reversal Medicine

U of A visiting assistant professor of social work Christiane C. Long, Ph.D., LCSW, has been awarded more than $5,900 worth of naloxone from the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership to distribute across Benton and Washington counties.

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name NARCAN®, is a low-risk life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids in just minutes when administered in time. Long, an active mental and behavioral health clinician and social worker, is receiving the medication as part of the partnership’s Naloxone Hero Project. 

“An opioid overdose can occur from fentanyl, heroin or prescription opioid medications,” she said. “Naloxone is easy to use and convenient to carry. Any community members who want to carry naloxone to save someone from an overdose can receive free doses and training through this program.”

Over the next year, Long will distribute free kits of naloxone across Benton and Washington counties to individuals, families, civic organizations, non-profit organizations and other groups that serve the community in Northwest Arkansas. Each recipient will also receive training on substance use and addiction, safe administration of naloxone and will be provided with tools to report naloxone saves. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 107,622 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021. That is approximately 376 deaths every five minutes. 

“Opioid abuse has reached epidemic levels in many parts of the world, leading to a significant number of overdose deaths and devastating communities,” Long said. “By talking about it openly, governments, healthcare professionals and communities can work together to address this public health crisis effectively.”

“Through open discussion, we can also reduce stigma and encourage those in need to seek support and treatment without fear of judgment. These trainings will also help make information about treatment and support services more accessible to those who need it,” she added.

In addition to her role at the U of A, Long is a native Arkansan who is an experienced, terminally licensed therapist with a demonstrated history of work and experience with various populations in a variety of settings, including the Veterans Administration, the LGBTQIA+ population, neurodivergence, adults with severe or chronic mental health diagnoses, case management services and substance use treatment. 

Long currently runs a trauma-informed private practice, and she is also an EMDR-trained therapist. She also serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Social Workers’ Arkansas Chapter. 

“I believe Northwest Arkansas is one of the best places to live and want to ensure it stays that way for the many people who call it home,” Long said. “Drug use, and overdose, doesn’t just affect individuals; it also impacts their families, friends and our communities. To request naloxone for yourself or your organization in Washington and Benton counties, please contact me.”

Long can be reached at 501-492-9216 or christianelonglcsw@gmail.com.

About the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership: The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP), an initiative of the Association of Arkansas Counties and the Arkansas Municipal League, represents a network of organizations committed to providing support for Arkansans in recovery, neighbors suffering from a substance misuse disorder and families who have experienced loss due to the opioid epidemic. The partnership oversees the strategic disbursement of opioid settlement dollars at the city and county levels. Learn more at www.arorp.org.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas’ flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.

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