CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND CONSIDER GETTING VACCINATED

According to numbers released yesterday, the 25-34 year age group make up 14.58% of active COVID-19 cases in the state, those 35-44 account for 13.31%, Arkansans aged 12-18 make up about 14.08%, and those 18 years old and younger account for nearly 33% of active cases.

COVID affects all age groups and I strongly encourage all Arkansans who are not currently vaccinated against COVID-19 to consult with their doctor about getting vaccinated.

The federal government has found the vaccine safe and effective, and the Pfizer vaccine was recently given full approval by the FDA for those 16 and older.

I hope this approval milestone will give Arkansans not yet vaccinated confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Studies have found that those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are much less likely to get infected and a small percentage of those that become infected after receiving a vaccine have experienced milder cases of COVID.

The Pfizer vaccine is available to Arkansans ages 12 and up, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for adults over 18.

To find a free COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov, call 1-800-232-0233, or text your zip code to 438829. For more information visit the Arkansas Department of Health website.

INTERVIEWS WITH FRENCH: CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN THE NATURAL STATE

In my most recent “Interviews with French,” I joined Scott Simon, Director of The Nature Conservancy Arkansas, at Rattlesnake Ridge to discuss conservation efforts in Arkansas and how to preserve the beauty of the Natural State.

You can watch the full interview HERE or by clicking on the image below.

AROUND CENTRAL ARKANSAS

The Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce and the City of Greenbrier hosted a celebration last week at the brand-new Greenbrier Fire Station with the Greenbrier Fire Department. This new, state of the art facility will serve as a valuable resource for the community and our firefighters.

INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

On August 31, 2021, I commemorated International Overdose Awareness Day in a speech I submitted to the Congressional Record to recognize the 2^nd Annual Bridge the Gap International Overdose Awareness Day event organized by the Parker Gill Foundation and Hope Movement at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock. The day provides an opportunity to spread awareness about opioid addiction and its impact on families.

Unfortunately, Arkansas has the second-highest opioid prescribing rate and has an average of 80.9 opioid prescriptions per 100 people. I am committed to working with our state and national leaders to break the ravages of addiction, help our families, and fight every day to keep illegal drugs out of the hands of our kids.

ASSISTANCE FOR OUR VETERANS

I want central Arkansas veterans to know that my office is here for you and resources are available if you find yourself in distress or questioning your service due to the situation in Afghanistan.

Our veteran staff is available if you need assistance, so please contact our office at (501) 324-5941. Additionally, you may call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or contact a Vet Center to speak with other veterans by dialing 1-877-927-8387. Additional resources can be found at www.va.gov.