Izard County Hometown Health & Prevention Coalition

10/10/2026

Halloween will be here soon!!! Hosting a spooky gathering for your kids & their friends = AWESOME! Allowing them to use alcohol, ni****ne, or other substances at your home or property...not so much.

There are so many fun activities for kids (and adults!) to do during spooky season - I promise, you don't need alcohol to have a good time! You can make your house the 'hangout house' without compromising kids' health and wellbeing.

As we get closer to Halloween, I will be sharing some fun ideas for celebrating spooky season with the teens and tweens in your life, and I want to hear your ideas too! Does your family have any beloved October traditions? What does your crew like to do this time of year?

Let's all have a fun, safe, and SUPER CREEPY Halloween!

- Olivia

10/08/2026

Have you ever been worried about someone but unsure of how to help? The simple act of reaching out is a great first step. If you're not sure what to say, you can use these conversation starters as inspo. Feel free to put these in your own words - the most important thing is that it comes from the heart and from a place of care and compassion.

10/08/2026

Carve out a new tradition—give blood and help save lives!

Join us for the Ozarka College Blood Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross.

📅 Wednesday, October 14
⏰ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 John E. Miller Complex Lobby | Ozarka College – Melbourne

Roll up your sleeve, give back and make a difference in our community. Register here! https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=OzarkaCollege

10/08/2026

09/25/2026

Everyone's journey is different. There is no single path to healing. What matters is support, someone who listens without judgment, and the belief that healing is possible. 988. No judgment. Just help. 988lifeline.org

***dePrevention

09/24/2026

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

The Izard County Sheriff’s Office will once again participate in Arkansas Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

We encourage everyone in our community to take this opportunity to safely dispose of unused and unwanted prescription medications.

Proper disposal of unused medications can help:
• Keep medications from falling into the hands of children or others who may misuse them.
• Help prevent accidental overdoses and prescription drug misuse.
• Keep medications from being improperly disposed of and entering our water supply.
• Make our homes and community safer.

This spring, Arkansans turned in more than 25 tons of unused medications.

Bring your unused and unwanted prescription medications to the Izard County Sheriff’s Office on October 24 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

And while you're here, grab a donut on us! Donuts will be available while supplies last.

Together, we can help keep unused medications out of the wrong hands and make Izard County a safer and healthier place for everyone.

*Permanent Drop-Off Locations*

If you are unable to make it on October 24, we also have two permanent medication drop boxes available:
*Izard County Sheriff’s Office — Melbourne
*Izard County Sheriff’s Office Sub-Station — Horseshoe Bend

Take the time to clean out those unused medications and dispose of them safely.

One small step can make a big difference in keeping our community safe.

09/17/2026

Sometimes, just one person caring can save a life. But it only works if you express it. Don't be afraid to let the person know that you're thinking about them and willing to listen.

A call, a text, an attempt to reach out, that’s not a small thing. For some people, it's everything. Connection keeps people alive. Call, text, or chat: 988lifeline.org

09/15/2026

Last night, I had the opportunity to present to the Izard County Quorum Court about our coalition's substance use prevention activities and outcomes. Our coalition is so grateful for the chance to share our work with the elected leaders in Izard County, and I really enjoyed speaking with everyone about something I am so passionate about - youth substance use prevention! Our entire prevention team shares this passion, as do so many of our community partners, (like our school youth club sponsors and SROs, local parents, healthcare providers, and faith leaders.)

I am immensely proud of the work we do and what our prevention team and community partners have accomplished. After presenting to the quorum court, I realized that other people and organizations in Izard County might want to see it too. I will be sharing this presentation again at our October coalition meeting, and if there is interest, I would love to set up additional times to present to the community.

Our October meeting is on 10/1 at 12 pm at Ozarka College, (in the student center, 2nd floor conference room). If you would like to join remotely, please send me your email, and I'll add you to the list.

As always, if you would like to join our coalition or learn more about what we do, please don't hesitate to reach out! Message me here, or via email at [email protected].

-Olivia

09/10/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, and today is World Su***de Prevention Day. Help us spread the word about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. It provides free, compassionate, and confidential support 24/7/365 via call, text, or chat. Save and share 988 with someone you care about. 988Lifeline.org