Dear Friends, Over the last five years, while serving the people of central Arkansas as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I have loved the interaction across the district. Sometimes this has led to wonderful ideas for legislation or a badly needed project to help those in need, including seeking health care solutions, economic development, protecting our heritage and environment, and best serving our veterans. I want to share some of the stories of how your ideas have had a direct legislative impact.  The first video “Right To Try,” follows the story of a spontaneous encounter with an Arkansan received in front of Larry’s Pizza in 2015 through to the President signing the Right To Try Act into law in 2018. To watch, click HERE or on the image below.  It takes only one person to make a difference. If you ever think there is something that the federal government can be doing to better your life and those of central Arkansans, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is conducting their Data Detectives Camp virtually this year. This is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) camp for rising 6th and 7th grade students that focuses on statistics.

The 1-week, 2-hour-a-day camp is an exciting opportunity for boys and girls to learn about the basics of statistics through a variety of fun, interactive activities!

Data Detectives Camp activities cover statistical concepts to help teach kids to think like a data detective: by asking the right questions, collecting needed information, analyzing the data, and determining the answer.

How to Apply:

• Up to 15 rising 6th and 7th graders will be selected to participate in this 1-week virtual camp.

• If you are interested, please download and complete the Application Form below.
  Send the completed form to datadetectives@cdc.gov

• Applications will be accepted through August 3rd.

• Decision e-mails will be sent to the parent or guardian by August 10th.

The ADH HIV Prevention Program received an almost $2.2 million grant to continue to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based HIV prevention programs, which serves persons affected by, or at risk for, HIV infection in Arkansas

The HIV Prevention Program is responsible for:

• Identifying, preventing, and controlling the spread of HIV in Arkansas

• Addressing the surveillance and epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in the state

In addition, the ADH Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) received a $335,000 grant. 

The ADH has been conducting a monthly BRFSS survey since 1993 and currently completes 3,300 landline telephone and 1,900 cellular phone interviews per year. Various programs within the Arkansas Department of Health, as well as other organizations, use the information received from the survey for such purposes as:

• Developing state plans to reduce the burden of disease.

• Measuring the impact of health-related community projects on reducing the burden of disease.

• Assessing risk factors for disease and developing interventions to decrease them.
  Preparing grant proposals.

• Educating the public about community health issues.

Both of these grants will help keep Arkansans healthy and allow the Arkansas Department of Health to better assess and respond to the needs of our communities. 

The Federal Reserve created the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) as part of its efforts to help bolster the economy in response to the pandemic. The Program offers five-year loans to help credit flow to small- and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Banks serve as the intermediary for the loans. The Program is administered through the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and operates through three facilities: the Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF), the Main Street Priority Loan Facility (MSPLF), and the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF).