The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has selected Rep. Jack Ladyman (Dist. 59) to serve on the 2020 Opioid Policy Fellows Program.  Up to 25 legislators from across the country are selected each year to serve on the program, which is designed to support legislators who are experienced or emerging leaders on opioid addiction and overdose issues. Rep. Ladyman was nominated for the program by House Speaker Matthew Shepherd.

The Opioid Policy Fellows Program is focused on health policies and programs being addressed by state legislatures across the country, such as strengthening prescription drug monitoring programs, developing prescribing guidelines, increasing naloxone access, and supporting access to treatment and recovery services. The program will also address the intersections with human services and criminal justice issues.  

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Arkansas ranks second in the nation for per-capita opioid prescriptions, at 102.1 per 100 residents; the national average is 58.7 prescriptions per 100 persons. In 2018, 426 Arkansans died as a result of a drug overdose.

“This epidemic demands our utmost attention. I look forward to sharing what Arkansas has done in recent years to increase access to overdose medication and hearing what other states are doing to end opioid abuse,” said Rep. Ladyman.

Rep. Jack Ladyman is serving his third term in the Arkansas House. He represents District 59 which includes a portion of Craighead County. For the 92nd General Assembly, Rep. Ladyman serves as chairperson of the House Public Health, Welfare & Labor Committee. He also serves on the Joint Budget Committee, the Joint Committee on Energy, and the House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee.