News

Phone Service Out Temporarily Later This Week at UA Cossatot

UA Cossatot is upgrading to a new phone system this week. On Wednesday, October 14th, sometime between 10:00 and 11:15 am, phone service at UAC will be interrupted for a short period of time. We expect an outage of approximately fifteen minutes for …

UA Cossatot is upgrading to a new phone system this week. On Wednesday, October 14th, sometime between 10:00 and 11:15 am, phone service at UAC will be interrupted for a short period of time. We expect an outage of approximately fifteen minutes for our toll free number, 800-844-4471, as well as the numbers for all of our staff. However, our Nashville and Ashdown numbers may take longer to restore. There could be longer, isolated outages associated with individual numbers. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience, and we do appreciate your patience.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,229
Confirmed Cases: 1,202
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 520
Confirmed Cases: 486
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 374
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 308
Confirmed Cases: 304
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 654 new cases; 7,839 active cases; 608 hospitalized, which is up 32 from Sunday; 104 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Sunday; deaths added today, 17, for a total of 1,586; a total of 93,487 cases; 80,496 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,089; antigen tests, 705.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 80; Washington, 57; Sebastian, 33; Craighead, 32; and Benton, 27.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Our hospitalizations continue to be at a high level. This puts stress on our healthcare workers. While we have sufficient bed capacity in our hospitals, this does strain the system. This is why we need to work together to reduce our cases and reduce our hospitalizations.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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American Cancer Society VIPinks Ambassador Keisha McKinney at Ed 88 Studios

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and American Cancer Society VIPinks Ambassador, Keisha McKinney, visited our De Queen studio recently to talk about her cancer experience and how we can help in the battle to defeat this disease.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,226
Confirmed Cases: 1,201
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 515
Confirmed Cases: 483
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 393
Confirmed Cases: 371
Probable Cases: 22
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 304
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 247
Confirmed Cases: 242
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 3

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To protect yourself and others, the ADH recommends:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

  • Practice physical distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.

  • If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek testing. Testing is available in many locations, including ADH Local Health Units.

  • Wear a face covering when you are exposed to non-household members and physical distancing cannot be assured. Click here to read the requirements.

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Arkansas Plasma Donors Needed Amid COVID-19 Hospitalization Peak

A record number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Arkansas is putting a strain on the state’s supply of convalescent plasma, one of the few treatments available for critically ill coronavirus patients.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Thursday a total of 547 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, the highest number seen since the pandemic began. The state also saw its highest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases with 1,265 people testing positive.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-plasma-donors-needed-amid-covid-19-hospitalization-peak

Arkansas Plasma Donors Needed Amid COVID-19 Hospitalization Peak

A record number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Arkansas is putting a strain on the state's supply of convalescent plasma, one of the few treatments available for critically ill coronavirus patients. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Thursday a total of 547 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, the highest number seen since the pandemic began.

Election Officials Report Record Poll Worker Numbers Despite COVID-19

As county election commissions prepared for an unusual election day this summer, many veteran poll workers, who are older and more at risk for complications from the coronavirus, decided not to return in 2020. Now, less than a month away from Nov. 3, officials have seen a record response from people wanting to be poll workers and volunteers. 

https://www.kuaf.com/post/election-officials-report-record-poll-worker-numbers-despite-covid-19

Election Officials Report Record Poll Worker Numbers Despite COVID-19

As county election commissions prepared for an unusual election day this summer, many veteran poll workers, who are older and more at risk for complications from the coronavirus, decided not to return in 2020. Now, less than a month away from Nov. 3, officials have seen a record response from people wanting to be poll workers and volunteers.

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Slowing the Epidemic of Drug Addiction

LITTLE ROCK – In October, we are bringing attention to the challenge of drug addiction, and today I’d like to highlight some efforts to slow it.

We are making progress in reducing the number of overdose deaths. Last year, we were down 18 percent over 2018, and this year, we were down another 17 percent. Arkansas’s rate of reduction is the second-best in the nation.

In September, we received news that we had been awarded a $21 million federal grant to expand substance-abuse-treatment programs.

And this month, I have proclaimed the week of October 23rd as National Red Ribbon Week and October 28th as “Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas.” “Drug Take Back Day” is October 24th.

Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane oversees Drug Take Back Day, which in the past ten years has collected more than 200 tons of unused and out-of-date medicines for disposal. Kirk also has piloted the use of Naloxone, an antidote for legal opioids and heroin. His office has trained first responders, and they have supplied Narcan kits that have prevented more than 550 opioid overdose deaths since 2017. From March through July, EMS and hospitals have seen about 270 saves per month.

Another initiative is “Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas.” It is a statewide project led by the FBI’s Little Rock field office. The group coordinates a simultaneous viewing of Chasing the Dragon in schools around the state. Chasing the Dragon is a frank DEA-FBI documentary that tells the true stories of young people trapped in a world of drugs. The viewing is on October 28th.

At a more personal level, a Northwest Arkansas couple founded the nonprofit Speakup About Drugs after their oldest son died of an overdose. He started smoking marijuana in the 11th grade and quickly moved to Adderall and then to Xanax. The family sought the help of doctors and counselors, and he was working hard to beat his addiction. But in 2017, when he was twenty-one, he consumed a fatal dose of cocaine laced with fentanyl.

The mission of Speakup About Drugs is to educate, advocate, support, and prevent drug abuse and overdoses. They help people get into treatment. Gina Allgaier is the mom. She wants to see those struggling with addiction and their families put back together and healed. She praises Drug Take Back Day and says it has kept prescription drugs out of the hands of young people.

In Arkansas, we are seeking to raise awareness and prevent new victims from falling prey to addiction, and we want to ensure access to treatment for those who have. We want to reinforce our commitment to holding those who contribute to this epidemic accountable. This is a tough topic to talk about, but we must if we are to slow this epidemic. Thank you to all those who have joined forces against it.

Saturday's COVID-19 Maps and Numbers from Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,224
Confirmed Cases: 1,199
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 514
Confirmed Cases: 483
Probable Cases: 31
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 390
Confirmed Cases: 367
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 304
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 246
Confirmed Cases: 241
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3

 
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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,167 new cases; 7,468 active cases; 560 hospitalized, which is up 13 from Thursday; 101 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Thursday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 1,530; a total of 91,312 cases; 79,012 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,715; antigen tests, 1,225.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 77; Washington, 76; Craighead, 74; Sebastian, 49; and Benton, 47.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Yesterday was another record day of testing with almost 14,000 total tests performed. Our new cases continue to be too high. As we all go about our weekend, let's make sure to wear a mask and keep our distance. We are constantly reminded of how serious this virus is and how easily it can spread.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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Grant Goes To Arkansas Researcher Studying COVID-19 Transmission In Restaurants

A new grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will go towards an Arkansas research project looking into ways to curb the spread of COVID-19 in restaurant settings.

Food scientist Dr. Kristen Gibson with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will lead the multi-institution research project, with help from the $987,000 grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/grant-goes-arkansas-researcher-studying-covid-19-transmission-restaurants

Grant Goes To Arkansas Researcher Studying COVID-19 Transmission In Restaurants

A new grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will go towards an Arkansas research project looking into ways to curb the spread of COVID-19 in restaurant settings. Food scientist Dr. Kristen Gibson with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will lead the multi-institution research project, with help from the $987,000 grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Arkansas Solicitor General Defends Pharmacy Law Before U.S. Supreme Court

A law regulating reimbursements by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) should stand because it doesn’t regulate benefits or plan administration, Arkansas Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The attorney representing PBMs, however, argued the law is preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, a federal law otherwise known as ERISA.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-solicitor-general-defends-pharmacy-law-us-supreme-court

Arkansas Solicitor General Defends Pharmacy Law Before U.S. Supreme Court

A law regulating reimbursements by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) should stand because it doesn't regulate benefits or plan administration, Arkansas Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. The attorney representing PBMs, however, argued the law is preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, a federal law otherwise known as ERISA.

In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month

The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of October!

Hector Cortez

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Hector Cortez is one of three campus police and resides in Nashville, AR. His family originates from Jalisco, Mexico. Hector’s mom is from a town named Tamazula and his dad is from a town called Tototlan.  They grew up about 3 ½ hours away from each other, but met in Los Angeles, CA in the mid 70’s.  Hector is not only a proud father but also a loving husband.  He is a current college student working towards obtaining an Associate’s degree and is a prime example of what it means to be dedicated.   Hector is also a key component in helping provide food assistance to students on Nashville campus and was also huge asset in helping provide commodities to the De Queen community area benefiting 300+ families. Hector states, “Being Hispanic means having a heritage that is bold and full of life. From family traditions to food, it is always colorful and full of fun.  I plan on earning my Associates Degree here at Cossatot in the next couple of semesters and not long after, earning my Bachelor’s Degree. 

We are proud to have Hector Cortez as part of our campus community! 

If you or someone has questions in regards to campus security you can call and ask for Hector Cortez at: 870-584-4471. 

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,218
Confirmed Cases: 1,198
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 375
Confirmed Cases: 355
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 297
Confirmed Cases: 294
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 240
Confirmed Cases: 236
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 2

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 809 new cases; 6,686 active cases; 538 hospitalized, which is up 9 from Tuesday; 98 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 13, for a total of 1,482; a total of 88,880 cases; 77,660 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,975; antigen tests, 1,110.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Craighead, 60; Pulaski, 57; Jefferson, 44; Washington, 26; and Sebastian, 23.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“There seems to be a pattern of increased cases toward the latter part of the week as so many go in for testing after a weekend. If the trend holds, cases may go up again toward the end of the week and then decline from there. Regardless, we are hoping to keep the peak this week lower than last week. Everyone do your part.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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Arkansas State Forester Selected to Lead National Forestry Association

Arkansas State Forester Joe Fox was elected in late September to serve as president of the National Association of State Foresters. Fox says wise forest management and safe wildland fire operations are top priorities while building collaboration and communication within the nation's forestry community. 

https://www.kuaf.com/post/arkansas-state-forester-selected-lead-national-forestry-association

Arkansas State Forester Selected to Lead National Forestry Association

Arkansas State Forester Joe Fox was elected in late September to serve as president of the National Association of State Foresters . Fox says wise forest


CADC Food Box Distribution at UA Cossatot De Queen Tuesday

CADC provided food commodities on the De Queen campus of UA Cossatot on Tuesday

CADC provided food commodities on the De Queen campus of UA Cossatot on Tuesday

CADC and the Center for Student Success partnered to help provide food commodities on the UA Cossatot De Queen Campus to 300+ families of the area… it was a campus/community wide event AND WE DID IT! Between the help of campus police, Cossatot Staff, Basketball, YOUTHBUILD, Rotaract, SDA and Student Ambassadors, we were able to help serve and provide food to 300+ families.  We’re so proud of all our volunteers and want to say “THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN” for what you did for our students AND our community.  This was definitely a great way to give back and actually be part of the change! If you see any of these people/students on campus let them know how proud we all are!

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,214
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 17
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 373
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 281
Confirmed Cases: 279
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 2

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 417 new cases; 6,922 active cases; 524 hospitalized, which is up 15 from Sunday; 93 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Sunday; deaths added today, 22, for a total of 1,447; a total of 87,430 cases; 76,204 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,305; antigen tests, 845.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 58; Washington, 34; Sebastian, 28; Craighead, 23; Benton, 15; Crawford, 15; and Faulkner, 15.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Today we are reminded that more cases lead to increased hospitalizations. The number of hospitalized is too high. While it is manageable, it's important to slow the spread of this virus to keep people out of the hospital because of COVID-19.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

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