News

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UAMS’ Elizabeth Riley, DNP, APRN, Chosen as Fellow of National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education

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By Chris Carmody

Elizabeth Riley, DNP, APRN, clinical associate professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing, has been selected as a fellow of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Academy of Nursing Education.

Riley is among 20 nurse educators who will be inducted into the academy during a Sept. 30 ceremony at the NLN Education Summit in Las Vegas. The Academy of Nursing Education has more than 300 members affiliated with teaching hospitals, academic institutions and other health organizations across the country.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/08/09/uams-elizabeth-riley-dnp-aprn-chosen-as-fellow-of-national-league-for-nursing-academy-of-nursing-education/

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UA Cossatot Releases Summer 2022 Honor Students and List of Graduates

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UA Cossatot's Office of the Registrar recently released the summer 2022 Chancellor's List, Vice Chancellor's List, and 2022 summer graduates.

Four students are named on the Chancellor's list, maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours. Seven students are named on the Vice Chancellor's list, holding a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.

UA Cossatot Summer 2022 Chancellor's List:

Ashdown: Tucker Patrick Tompkins

De Queen: Logan Turner

Texarkana: Anthony Stine and Joseph Benett Cagande Shan

UA Cossatot Summer 2022 Vice Chancellor's List:

Ashdown: Lexius Winfrey and Breana Nicole Noble

Foreman: Jaymee Hess

Gillham: Ariel Morgan Dinkins

Okolona: Lakyn Danielle Watts

Texarkana: Chase Aldwin Hicks and Grant Phillip Nolen

Summer 2022 Graduates (Listed with Highest Degree(s) Earned):

Sixty-one students graduated with a Certificate of Proficiency (CP), Technical Certificate (TC), or an Associate Degree (AA/AGS/AAS/AS). Many students earned multiple certificates and degrees, totaling 93 summer awards.

Amity: Randi Mechelle Markham: Associate of Arts

Antoine: Jessi Ann Dugger: Technical Certificate: General Studies

Ashdown: Mikayla Blagg: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing, Kellie Anne Jones: Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Raylei Suzzanne Merrell: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and

Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Breana Nicole Noble: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant, Cory Tatom: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant, Lexy Walden: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Lexius Winfrey: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant and Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Ben Lomond: Kaitlyn Finigan: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing

Bigelow: Elizabeth Rather: Associate of Science: STEM

De Queen: Sara Elizabeth Abril: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Stephanie Butler: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Diana Hernandez Galindo: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and

Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Layton Jackson: Associate of Arts and

Associate of General Studies, A'Nayzia Janay Jefferson: Associate of Arts and Associate of General Studies, Maria Munoz Juache: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Alexandra Salinas: Technical Certificate: Cosmetology, Katherine Rachelle Taylor: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing, Ivan Trejo: Technical Certificate: General Studies, Logan Wayne Turner: Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, and Technical Certificate: General Studies, Emily Brooke Whisenhunt: Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Delight: Madison Erin May: Technical Certificate: General Studies

Dierks: Savannah Nicole Morris: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Lindsey Jean Stamps: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing

Foreman: Danielle Nicole Boyd: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Kenzie Elizabeth Cowan: Associate of Science: STEM, Chunjung Ke Howell: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing

Gillham: Ariel Dinkins: Associate of Science: Business and Technical Certificate: General Studies,

Stephanie Rose Parsons: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing

Horatio: Heather Barton: Technical Certificate: General Studies, Ashley Olalde: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing, Misty Marie Wheeler: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing

Little Rock: Elizabeth Moore: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing

Lockesburg: Mina Christine McAda: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Magnolia: Noah Samuel Reed: Associate of Science: STEM

Murfreesboro: Kailee Ann Backus: Technical Certificate: General Studies, Madison Paige Humphry: Associate of General Studies and Technical Certificate: General Studies

Nashville: LaTambra Shanea Anderson: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Kyla Collins: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing, Allie Michelle Couch: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Aaysha Chantel Hollins: Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Jaydon Ray Hostetler: Associate of Science: Business, Jaydon Ray Hostetler: Technical Certificate: General Studies and Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting, Diana Rubio Hernandez: Technical Certificate: Cosmetology, Mattison Nacole Steele: Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, and Technical Certificate: General Studies, Takela Rochon Stewart: Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts, and Associate of General Studies, Jasmin Ariana Summers: Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Ogden: Ariyonna Alise Trotter: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Okolona: Lakyn Watts: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant

Prescott: Ashlynn Glenda Hart: Associate of Applied Science: General Technology

Texarkana: Julie Kate-Lynn Clift: Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies and Technical Certificate: General Studies, Chase Hicks: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant and Technical Certificate: Health Professions,

Grant Phillip Nolen: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant, Joshua Matthew Robles: Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Joseph Benett Shan: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Anthony Stine: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant and Anthony Stine: Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Umpire: Chloe Wakley: Associate of General Studies

Winthrop: Monica Elane Forrest: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing, Jaymee Marie Hess: Associate of Applied Science: Physical Therapist Assistant and Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Amy Rachelle Shults: Technical Certificate: Practical Nursing and Technical Certificate: Health Professions

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The University of Arkansas Cossatot is a community college in Southwest Arkansas accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Offering technical certification and Associate degrees, UAC also collaborates with other colleges and universities to offer bachelor's degrees on its three campuses. UAC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 and other Civil Rights laws and offers equal opportunity for admission and employment. Employment preference is given to applicants possessing a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) with all other qualifications being equal. Programs and activities of UAC are provided to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran or special disabled veteran status, or sex. Questions or concerns regarding affirmative action can be directed to the Compliance Officer, c/o UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. For Arkansas RELAY Voiced Services call 711 or 800-285-1121. Visit www.cccua.edu for more information.

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State Board of Election Commissioners denies certification of recreational marijuana ballot measure

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by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

The State Board of Election Commissioners on Wednesday (Aug. 3) denied certification of a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21.

The SBEC review is part of a new process for ballot petitions. The panel cited concerns regarding sufficient background checks for dispensary owners and limits on THC, tetrahydrocannabinol,  a chemical found in marijuana.

Responsible Growth Arkansas, the group supporting the ballot measure, turned in more than 193,000 signatures for adult recreational marijuana use, more than twice what was needed to qualify. Secretary of State John Thurston signed off last week on the measure as having sufficiently met the signature threshold to qualify for the November ballot.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/state-board-of-election-commissioners-denies-certification-of-recreational-marijuana-ballot-measure/

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State to use $3.3 million to train broadband, telecom industry workforce

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by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Office of Skills Development (OSD) is investing $3.3 million to train new broadband and telecommunication industry workers in an effort to close the gap in the state’s digital infrastructure.

The Fiber Broadband and Telecommunications Working Group – a partnership of industry leaders, state government, and educators – has identified areas where workforce training can produce strategic results.

“The past several months have shown us that reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessary way of life,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “As a rural state, it is even more imperative that Arkansans have the same opportunities as citizens in urban areas. Now that we are making strides to bring broadband to every corner of the state, we need workers to build and implement the infrastructure. Today, we not only celebrate the progress we are making to ensure all Arkansans have access to broadband for school, work, and leisure, but we celebrate the creation of high-tech jobs in a growing sector.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/state-to-use-3-3-million-to-train-broadband-telecom-industry-workforce/

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Cooperative Extension Service to recruit volunteer Health Ambassadors in six counties

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By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — A new Cooperative Extension Service project is seeking to improve the health of rural counties by recruiting local volunteers, who will receive training and deliver extension health programming to their communities.

AMBASSADORS IN TRAINING — Carl Trahan-True conducts "Wellness Ambassador 101" session IN 2014. The Cooperative Extension Service is revamping the Health Ambassador program in six counties with the help of NIFA grant funding. (Division of Agriculture photo by Kevin Quinn.)

Arkansas ranks 41st out of 50 states for access to clinical preventive care services, making it difficult for Arkansans – especially in rural communities – to access health care screenings and other services that monitor well-being and anticipate problems. The Extension Health Ambassadors project will work with these communities to identify and find solutions to their health problems.

The training program is a partnership between the Cooperative Extension Service’s Community, Professional and Economic Development department and the Family and Consumer Sciences department. The program will equip community volunteers with the health education and teaching skills necessary to lead extension-based health programming in targeted rural counties.

Bryan Mader, extension assistant professor and health specialist, said that by providing this training for volunteers to share with their communities, extension health programming can reach more Arkansans.

“The primary goal of the Extension Health Ambassadors project is to amplify the reach of county Family and Consumer Sciences agents in delivering health programs to a larger audience than the agent is able to do by themselves,” Mader said.

The new program is similar to a previous extension project, Extension Wellness Ambassadors. That project took place from 2013-2014 and used a community-based recruitment model to train volunteers to deliver extension health programs. It recruited 60 volunteers who contributed 5,600 hours of volunteer time and led 434 health education sessions.

The primary difference between programs is the collaboration between the CPED and FCS departments. CPED will play an important role in the project by using an asset-based community development strategy, which Mader said “works with and within a community to identify its strengths – such as people and resources – and uses a person-centered approach to form solutions to community issues.”

This strategy will allow project leaders, agents and volunteers to identify community health issues and work together to address challenges related to the “chronic disease burden in Arkansas and the health disparities between urban and rural populations,” Mader said.

Hunter Goodman, assistant professor of Community, Professional and Economic Development for the Division of Agriculture, said the asset-based community development strategy is also designed to help county extension agents in their efforts to strengthen and improve the communities they serve, including by “building local leadership capacity for engagement on aspects of quality of life and community vitality.”

“At its core, asset-based community development underscores what’s vibrant in the community, centers the community at the heart of local decision making, activates individual participation, strengthens community leadership and emphasizes local relationships,” Goodman said.

The project recently received funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Rural Health and Safety Education grant program, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Six Arkansas counties — Clarke, Cleburne, Hempstead, Phillips, Pope and Mississippi — were selected to participate in the project for the two-year project period. Project activities will begin on Sept. 1, 2022, and end on Aug. 31, 2024. Mader said the project will begin with an initial three communities that will “work with the project team to navigate through the community engagement, recruitment, training and delivery components.”

Mader said he is optimistic about the interest among potential volunteers for the project. Arkansas has one of the highest levels of volunteerism in the country, with 30 percent of Arkansas residents reporting having volunteered within the last year in 2017, according to Aspire Arkansas.

“This means there is a rich pool of community members who are interested in helping make their communities better,” Mader said.  

Mader said extension’s goal for the Extension Health Ambassadors program is to recruit and train 30 volunteers from six counties over two years.

“Success for this program would result in extension working alongside community members to address their identified, or felt, health needs and working collaboratively with the community to create viable solutions to their health issues,” he said.

As the USDA defines 55 of Arkansas’ 75 counties as rural, Mader said a long-term goal of the program would be to find additional funding to expand its impact to additional counties.

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Rutledge: U.S. Supreme Court orders abortion clinics to pay for state's legal costs

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LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge issued a statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s judgment in Rutledge v. Little Rock Family Planning Services vacating a lower court order blocking Arkansas’s ban on abortions performed solely on the basis of a Down syndrome diagnosis and ordering Little Rock Family Planning Services to pay the State of Arkansas for filing costs associated with seeking Supreme Court review. This Supreme Court victory comes on the heels of the dismissal of Planned Parenthood v. Gillespie in federal district court, where Arkansas terminated Planned Parenthood’s participation in the State’s Medicaid program. Since the Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June, Attorney General Rutledge has also been successful in ending litigation challenging the dismemberment abortion ban and the total abortion ban (SB6).

“For the last two years, Arkansas has been the most prolife state in the union because of the work of the dedicated staff at the Attorney General’s Office,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “After certifying the Supreme Court’s overruling of Roe and Casey, which ended elective abortion in Arkansas, my office jumped into action to strike all remaining abortion lawsuits. I have always advocated for the lives of unborn children because no baby should ever face the unimaginable and horrifying fate of abortion.”

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UAMS Researcher to Lead Study on Antibiotic Resistance in Fresh Vegetables in the United States

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By Kev' Moye

En Huang, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health Department of Environmental Health Sciences, has received a three-year, $1 million research grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Huang and his team — which consists of Sun Hee Moon, Ph.D., and Se-Ran Jun, Ph.D., from UAMS; along with Xinhui Li, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse; Erin DiCaprio, Ph.D., of the University of California-Davis; and Xu Yang, Ph.D., of California State Polytechnic University-Pomona — will investigate why some bacteria isolated from retail vegetables in the United States are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. The aforementioned class of antibiotics – considered the most important classes of antibiotics – are used in the management and treatment of bacterial infections.

“Food is an important vehicle for transmitting foodborne microorganisms,” Huang said. “Since most vegetables are consumed when they’re raw or after only being minimally cooked, if present, those antibiotic-resistant bacteria could potentially harm people. Therefore, there’s an urgent need to understand the role of fresh produce in the transmission of antibiotic resistance.”

https://news.uams.edu/2022/08/02/uams-researcher-to-lead-study-on-antibiotic-resistance-in-fresh-vegetables-in-the-united-states/

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Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., MPH, Joins Leadership Team at UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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By Marty Trieschmann

Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., MPH, has assumed the role of associate director for Cancer Prevention and Control for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

Fagan, a leading expert on tobacco-related health disparities and co-founder of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)’s Tobacco Research Network on Disparities, will lead new and existing cancer prevention and control activities for the Cancer Institute.

“Dr. Fagan is a nationally recognized cancer researcher and has studied cancer health disparities for decades,” said Michael Birrer, M.D. Ph.D., director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. “She is passionate about social justice and will be a tremendous leader as we work to address the needs of Arkansas communities hit disproportionately hard by cancer.”

https://news.uams.edu/2022/08/02/pebbles-fagan-ph-d-mph-joins-leadership-team-at-uams-winthrop-p-rockefeller-cancer-institute/

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Judge orders Sen. Jason Rapert to provide information from social media accounts

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KUAR | By Ronak Patel

A U.S. district judge is ordering Arkansas state Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, to release information regarding his social media accounts. The order is part of a lawsuit filed against Rapert by the group American Atheists.

The lawsuit was filed in 2018 after members of the group were blocked by Rapert on Twitter and Facebook. Arkansas Atheists attorney Geoffrey Blackwell argues Rapert blocking the group is a violation of First Amendment rights and data from the senator’s accounts can help settle the case.

“The First Amendment applies to government officials online and in traditional public forums,” Blackwell said. “By restricting their ability to comment and engage in discussion with him and other constituents, he infringed on their right to free speech based on their viewpoint.”

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-07-29/judge-orders-sen-jason-rapert-to-provide-information-from-social-media-account

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

The group American Atheists argues state Sen. Jason Rapert violated the First Amendment rights of its members.

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Arkansas tax revenue up 2.6% in July, 3% above forecast

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by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas began its fiscal year in July with sales tax revenue of $615.9 million, up 2.6% compared with July 2021, and 3% above the forecast. After ending the previous fiscal year in June with a $1.62 billion surplus, the surplus after July stands at $26.6 million.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration reported Tuesday (Aug. 2) the tax revenue which showed gains above forecast in the key categories. Individual income tax revenue was $253.1 million in July, up 4.7% compared with July 2021 and up 4.7% above forecast.

Sales and use tax revenue was $272.4 million, up 4.7% above July 2021 and also 4.7% above the forecast. Corporate tax revenue was $35.1 million, down $4.8 million compared with July 2021 and $2 million above the forecast.

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/08/arkansas-tax-revenue-up-2-6-in-july-3-above-forecast/

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VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Announces Arkansas School Safety Commission Interim Report

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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today released the Interim Report of the Arkansas School Safety Commission.

The report emphasized the importance of districts using layered, comprehensive school safety strategies and ensuring school safety policies and procedures are being followed. The report noted the passage of Acts 551, 622, and 648 of the 2021 General Session, and several new projects since 2018 which focus on creating positive school environments. The Commission also highlighted the base state funding that the Arkansas Center for School Safety has been provided since 2019, and the increase of 145 School Resource Officers in school districts statewide since 2018.

The Commission also shared recommendations being considered in mental health and prevention; intelligence and communication; audits, educational opportunity programs and drills; law enforcement and security; and physical security.

“I created the school safety commission [in 2018] to review our schools, our laws, and to make recommendations to keep our children safe,” Governor Hutchinson said at today’s press conference. “The recommendations that came out of that school safety commission did not sit on a shelf, and most of those recommendations have been adopted. And, they have made a real difference in the safety of our schools.” 

New recommendations being considered by the Commission include:

  • All school districts should provide access to Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training to all personal who interact with students.

  • All school districts should establish a behavioral threat assessment team with appropriate composition and training.

  • Creating a school safety tip line committee to investigate strategies and best practices used in other states to establish and implement a statewide School Safety Tip Line for Arkansas.

  • National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) crisis response training should be made available to school personnel and key stakeholders throughout the state and ensure all school districts receive relevant training information in a timely manner.

  • All students should have access to mental health services, whether in person at school or via telehealth.

  • School districts should develop a layered two-way communication access between staff to ensure information sharing during critical incidents (intercom systems, radios, cell phone apps, etc.)

  • New radio systems that are being developed by law enforcement should consider school district(s) in their jurisdiction as part of their initial buildout and allow access to the law enforcement communication network for critical incidents by certain school administrators and staff.

  • An increased focus on cybersecurity.

  • Districts should be required to assign a school safety coordinator to each campus to ensure district school safety policies and procedures are being followed in doing so, create a culture of school safety compliance on every campus.

  • Schools should ideally have at least one SRO for each campus and no campus should be without an armed presence at any time.

  • The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) was identified as the standard (best practice) active school shooter training in Arkansas for law enforcement and commissioned school security officers.

  • All school building exterior doors should remained closed and locked during school hours and schools should have a procedure for keeping them closed and locked during school hours.

  • All classroom doors should remain closed and locked during school hours and schools must have a procedure for keeping them closed and locked during school hours.

  • General Assembly should modify current state law 12-13-109 which states all doors and exits must be unlocked to state they must remain locked during school hours.

  • Install electronic access controls for high-frequency use doors.

  • Equip classrooms with door locks to be locked from the inside and only allow access from outside for authorized personnel.

  • Schools have one visitor point of entrance and a secure area for them at the entrance.

  • Implement a visitor management system.

  • Schools should have security cameras that are accessed by designated individuals and local law enforcement.

  • Districts should have a grand master key for all locks and to also provide to local law enforcement to use during a critical incident.

  • Require bus drivers to have at least 20 minutes of the 3-hour required training to be on bus security.

  • Add physical security items to the existing bus maintenance and operations facility inspection checklist.

  • Require electronic access to all exterior and classroom doors in new constructions.

The Commission has met seven times since its reinstatement on June 10, 2022, in wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. The twenty-four members of the commission, originally formed in 2018, have worked to review the 2018 Commission final report. The Commission includes representatives from the Arkansas Attorney General’s office, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM), the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA).

The Commission’s initial report was due Monday, August 1, 2022, and can be viewed by clicking HERE.

The Commission will submit the final report of findings and recommendations to the Governor no later than October 1, 2022.

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Current Active COVID-19 Cases Reported in SW AR

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Active Cases Data for Sevier County
Total Active Cases: 150

Active Cases Data for Howard County
Total Active Cases: 119

Active Cases Data for Little River County
Total Active Cases: 65

Active Cases Data for Polk County
Total Active Cases: 32

Active Cases Data for Pike County
Total Active Cases: 23

Active Cases Data for Miller County
Total Active Cases: 166

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Back to school: Habits adopted during pandemic can help reduce spread of more common viruses as well

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By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture

ON THE RISE — As kids across Arkansas head back to school, parents should keep in mind good habits to reduce the spread of COVID, flu and other viruses. (Image courtesy Johns Hopkins University.)

LITTLE ROCK — For as long as there’s been a public school system in the United States, the return to class after summer vacation inevitably brings with it three unpleasantries: The cough, the sniffle and the sneeze.

The Fall 2022 semester will certainly bring back the classics: Millions of children back in close proximity, sharing a host of new germs acquired over summer camp and vacation. Kristen Gibson, director of the Center for Food Safety for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, says that the good news is that for all its disruptions, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than two years has led most schools to double down on some good habits.

“Everything we did for COVID — the extra protections — the hand-washing, the disinfecting, the masks — all that squelched the transmission of a lot of other viruses commonly seen in schools,” Gibson said.

Gibson received her Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health with a focus on understand pathogen transmission, specifically viral pathogens, in the environment.

The No. 1 tool available to children themselves, she said, is also the most basic.

“Wash. Your. Hands,” Gibson said, with a staccato emphasis. “That’s the number one thing you can do. And it’s one of the best things kids can easily do to control spread and protect themselves from getting sick.”

Bryan Mader, assistant professor and health specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said transmission of COVID-19 is again on the rise in Arkansas and elsewhere.

“There has been a significant uptick in the number of cases nationwide and in Arkansas,” Mader said, noting that within the southeastern region, about 6.8 percent of new cases are among children aged 0-4, 5.2 percent are among children aged 5-11 and 4.3 percent are among children aged 12-17. As of July 22, there were nearly 16,800 active cases in Arkansas.

“Arkansas only has five counties in the ‘low’ category for community spread,” Mader said, noting there were 21 counties in the “medium” category for community spread and that the remaining 49 counties were considered “high” community spread as of July 21.

“The current recommendation for youth and adolescents 6 months and older is to get a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and children and adolescents aged 5 and older who receive the Pfizer vaccine should get a booster at least 5 months after their second shot,” Mader said.

He noted that only Pfizer and Moderna currently have approval for COVID-19 vaccines for children under age 5.

“The vaccine is the best way to protect children from becoming severely ill or having long-lasting health impacts due to COVID-19,” Mader said. “While children and adolescents are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, it is still possible.”

Mader said anyone 6 months old or older should get an annual flu vaccine between September and March.

“Influenza has been a minor issue the last couple of years in Arkansas, due to social distancing and mask-wearing,” he said. “However, with mask and social distancing recommendations relaxed, there is serious concern that influenza could be a major issue for all Arkansans this year.”

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, can be serious or deadly to children 2 years old and younger. The virus can mimic flu symptoms, Mader said, and should be diagnosed by a doctor.

“As with all respiratory diseases, children should not attend school while sick until released by a doctor or the school nurse,” Mader said. “Other, now-common prevention measures, such as hand-washing, avoiding touching their face, wearing masks, and avoiding contact with those who are diagnosed with a respiratory illness are also top-level recommendations.”

For more recommendations on healthy living for the entire family, visit the Cooperative Extension Service’s Health in Arkansas page at https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/health/default.aspx.

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Rutledge sues custom off road business for failing to deliver

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LITTLE ROCK— Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced filing a lawsuit against Dodge Off Road, and its owner Daniel “Danny” Gaston, for violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (ADTPA) when the company accepted thousands of dollars from consumers to order aftermarket automotive parts yet never provided the parts, the installation, or a refund to the customer. These parts include lift kits, which raise the ride height of a truck, and stabilizer bars which increase the steering response and stability of a vehicle.

“I’m saddened to see so many hard working Arkansans being taken advantage of by deceptive companies like Dodge Off Road,” said Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “Contact my office immediately if you believe you have been scammed by Dodge Off Road or another company for their illegal and deceptive practices.”

The Attorney General’s Office has received 45 complaints, each alleging that Dodge Off Road owes the consumer between $150 and $5,000 for unshipped or unsuitable automotive parts. 

The lawsuit was filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court. Attorney General Rutledge is seeking restitution for the consumers impacted, in addition to civil penalties up to $10,000 for each violation of the ADTPA.

The complaint can be found here.

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UAMS College of Medicine Names Lindsey Sward, M.D., as Assistant Dean for Clinical Education

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By Linda Haymes

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine appointed Lindsey Sward, M.D., associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, to serve in the newly created position of assistant dean for clinical education.

In her new role, Sward will work to continue and improve the college’s work of producing highly skilled, compassionate physicians for the state.

“With the recent expansion of the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, the addition of a three-year accelerated M.D. track working to produce more primary care physicians, and our growth across Arkansas, this position will help ensure that we provide consistent and excellent clinical instruction for all of our medical students,” said Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D. “Dr. Sward brings exceptional teaching skills and a strong commitment to our educational mission to her new post.”

https://news.uams.edu/2022/08/01/uams-college-of-medicine-names-lindsey-sward-m-d-as-assistant-dean-for-clinical-education/

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AUDIO: Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | My Year as Chairman of the National Governors Association

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LITTLE ROCK – Two weeks ago, I passed the gavel to my successor as chair of the National Governors Association, and today I’d like to talk about my year as leader of the NGA and the opportunity to work with other governors on some of our nation’s biggest challenges.

I accepted the gavel virtually in my office at the capitol a year ago during the NGA’s annual summer meeting.

This year, we met in Maine, so I passed the gavel in person to the new chair, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

My term as chair offered the opportunity to show off Arkansas and our Computer Science Initiative, which I declared as my Chairman’s Priority. By my final day as chair, 50 governors of states and territories, which was a record, had signed the computer science education compact.

By signing, governors were committing to establish plans to expand computer science in schools and to fund the expansion so that we can create new paths to success after high school.

At the NGA summer meeting, Patrick Gelsinger, the CEO of Intel, spoke about the value of our initiative. Mr. Gelsinger noted that modern life is becoming more digital, and everything digital runs on semiconductors. The manufacturing of semiconductors requires talent and money, which is why we must provide first-rate education for our young people.

He also discussed the federal CHIPS Act, which is the abbreviation for Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America. The CHIPS Act would provide about $50 billion in subsidies to support the manufacture of computer chips in the United States. Congress passed the bill, the goal of which is to decrease U.S. dependence on chips that are manufactured overseas. The CHIPS Act had bipartisan support from the governors.

On my first day as chair in July 2021, I reminded my fellow governors that states are laboratories of democracy. I challenged them to innovate, determine what works best, and to share what they have learned.

I suggested that we should lead with civil discourse, respect others in our debates, and rise above party differences to work together. Those words were as relevant today as they were a year ago.

As I reflect on my term as NGA chairman, I am grateful and amazed at the opportunities I have had to serve. I grew up on a farm. My dad was a farmer, and neither of my parents graduated from college. But they gave my siblings and me opportunities they never had. Because of their sacrifice, I’ve had incredible opportunities in life.

In the public arena, I served as United States Attorney under Ronald Reagan and in the United States Congress. In the Bush administration, I served as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration and undersecretary at Homeland Security. I’ve prosecuted neo-Nazis and criminal organizations. I helped guide the nation after 9-11. I returned to Arkansas, and then eight years later, I ran for governor and won.

I shared with the governors that I have attempted to follow my parents’ example and to live by their faith and work ethic. My hope is that as governors, we will inspire our young people to participate in our democracy and to understand the importance of public service.

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Arkansas State 4-H Leader of the Year Named 

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Arkansas State 4-H Leader of the Year Named 

The Sevier County Extension Office is proud to have another honor!  

Each year, one individual from Arkansas is named Leader of the Year. This year, Sevier County was honored to have not just one 4-H Leader recognized, but two. Michelle Sawyer and Patricia Maben were announced during the awards ceremony at UA Fayetteville on Thursday, July 28 as the recipients of the 2022 Arkansas State 4-H Leader of the Year. This was the first time two leaders were honored at the same time.  

Many know the sisters through various projects they take part in throughout the county. Both Michelle and Patricia make 4-H meetings a family event by involving parents. They host various family fun days, take part in different community services, and their club thrives from the time they dedicate to it. There is no way to measure the amount of time or effort both Michelle and Patricia have given to 4-H.  

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Sevier County Extension Office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. 

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Rutledge to host 3rd Annual Elder Abuse Conference on Sept. 1st in Little Rock

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LITTLE ROCK— Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge will host the 3rd annual statewide Elder Abuse Conference at The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock on September 1, 2022. Attendees will learn about issues faced by loved ones and providers who assist and serve seniors and adults with developmental disabilities. 

“All too often our seniors get taken advantage of through financial and physical abuse and it is important to know the signs before it happens to your loved one,” said Attorney General Rutledge. “The annual Elder Abuse Conference empowers family, friends, employers and law enforcement to recognize the signs of abuse and teaches them how to protect victims when abuse is occurring.”

According to the National Council on Aging, one in 10 Americans 60 years and older have experienced some kind of abuse. It is estimated that as many as five million elderly Americans are abused each year.

The conference will cover a broad range of topics including elder maltreatment, senior financial abuse, prescription drug abuse by caregivers and tools for the prevention of elder abuse. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge will be the keynote speaker.

This course has been approved for 6.25 credits of continuing legal education, in addition to 6.25 credits of continuing education for nursing home administrators. Additionally, 6.75 hours of law enforcement (CLEST) credit has been approved. Medical provider credit is pending.

Click here to view a list of upcoming trainings offered by the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.

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Family of Former Neurosurgeon Gives $100,000 to Create Award for UAMS Neurosurgery Residents

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By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — The family of the late Surinder Gupta, M.D., donated $100,000 to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to create an award for neurosurgery residents in the College of Medicine.

Gupta’s wife, Urmil, made the gift to establish the Dr. Surinder Nath Gupta Legacy Endowed Resident Award. The award will support one third-year and one fourth-year neurosurgery resident each year, enriching the resident experience at UAMS and rewarding residents who have a strong desire to develop themselves professionally.

Surinder Gupta was the first neurosurgeon to graduate from the newly created neurosurgery residency program at UAMS in 1973. He was proud of his association with UAMS and its commitment to residency training. He went on to establish a well-respected practice in Hot Springs, where he became actively involved in the community and local hospital. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 42 from complications of a misdiagnosed heart problem.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/07/28/family-of-former-neurosurgeon-gives-100000-to-create-award-for-uams-neurosurgery-residents/