CADCA’s work has evolved over the years, but its mission and vision have largely remained the same: build safer, healthier, and stronger communities everywhere by equipping coalitions with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to create positive change. One program we’re proud to support is the Community Advocate Network (CAN), a city and county initiative under the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP) designed to connect Arkansas communities with the resources and partnerships needed to address the opioid crisis. This initiative is coordinated by Ivory Daniels and Alex Smith.  

Through this partnership, CADCA provides program oversight and strategic guidance, helping ensure the program’s work reaches communities effectively. We partner with ARORP and local organizations to make sure all 75 counties in the state of Arkansas have access to opioid abatement resources. 

Even with years of naloxone distribution and prevention treatment and recovery efforts, opioid misuse continues to affect families, schools, and public health systems across the state. Local leaders discovered the need for a coordinated response, and the CAN initiative was established to fill that gap. Funded through opioid abatement settlement dollars, the program places dedicated coordinators (Ivory and Alex) in counties and cities to ensure that resources are used effectively and awareness for these resources are known. 

Currently, CAN coordinators are actively: 

• Meeting with mayors, county judges, and city managers to inform them of available opioid-abatement resources and how to use them how they can apply and utilize the funding. 
• Connecting educational institutions, first responders, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits to naloxone training and evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery programs to strengthen community response and save lives.
• Participating in community events such as faith-based conferences and college events to expand outreach, build partnerships, and connect individuals with critical prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. 

To date, CAN has reached 82 cities and 49 counties; met with 76 mayors, 49 county judges, and six city managers; and engaged hundreds of residents through community events and thousands through digital outreach efforts. Their work helps reduce stigma and expand awareness of the prevention, treatment, and recovery resources available statewide.  

Collaboration and partnerships contribute to the success of this effort. CAN works with local governments, city and county leadership, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses to create coordinated and sustainable responses to opioid misuse. This approach mirrors CADCA’s coalition model that emphasizes the importance of partnerships in ensuring that prevention efforts are scalable and effective.  

Looking ahead, CAN aims to support leaders in the effective use of opioid settlement funds and continue expanding naloxone access and overdose response training throughout all cities and counties in Arkansas. CADCA looks forward to continuing to support these efforts and helping communities stay informed to prevent opioid-related misuse.