UCA to host Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge 2025 on International Recovery Day Tuesday, Sept. 30

University one of only 13 sites to host national recovery event

Mobilize Recovery will bring the Campus Surge 2025 initiative to the University of Central Arkansas as part of a nationwide effort to address the challenges of substance use and mental health among college students.This free event will be held on International Recovery Day, Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 3-7 p.m. at the UCA Student Center Amphitheater.

According to Mobilize Recovery, over 23 million Americans are in recovery from addiction.

Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge is free and open to the public. This event aims to raise awareness, provide resources and empower students to become advocates for recovery within their communities. ​Tacos4Life and mocktails will be provided. Registration is requested at mobilizerecovery.org/uca_campus_surge.

"We are excited to welcome Mobilize Recovery to UCA as part of Campus Surge 2025," UCA Addiction Studies Director Dr. Stephanie Rose said. "This initiative not only brings national attention to the importance of recovery, but also provides our students, faculty and community members with the tools and support to create lasting change.

"Hosting this event reflects UCA's commitment to fostering a campus culture where recovery is visible, celebrated and accessible to all."

Special guests for the event will include:

• Noah Thompson, country music singer and 2022 American Idol Winner.
• Tom Farley, New York Times bestselling author of "The Chris Farley Show" and brother to the late actor and comedian, recovery advocate, and community outreach director at Recovery.com.
• Luke Niforatos, executive vice president, Smart Approaches to Marijuana.

The event will feature:

• Interactive sessions on addiction, recovery, and mental health led by experts and advocates.
• Leadership and advocacy training designed to equip students with tools to effect change.
• Musical performances, giveaways, and interactive exhibits to foster community connection and dialogue.
• Distribution of overdose reversal agents and fentanyl test strips to reduce fatalities.​
• Special representatives of the State of Arkansas, including State Drug Director Thomas Fisher, Rep. Tara Shephard, Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership Director Kirk Lane, the Arkansas Attorney General's Office and others.

The Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge 2025 tour, in partnership with META and iHeart Media, will travel to 13 universities nationwide this fall, uniting students, advocates and allies to build momentum for recovery advocacy, prevention and the destigmatization of substance use disorders. All are welcome, including those in recovery and those who care about anyone in recovery.

Additional information and registration is available at mobilizerecovery.org/uca_campus_surge.

About Mobilize Recovery

Mobilize Recovery is dedicated to raising up the voices of people whose lives are affected by addiction. From direct outreach to civic & community engagement, we empower advocates to take direct action by providing digital tools, advocacy training, and education.