Dear Friends,
Many of us are practicing social distancing as a way to protect ourselves and our families from COVID-19. The space we put between ourselves and our neighbors may be protecting our physical health, but mental health across Arkansas and the nation has suffered.
Last Tuesday, I met with Arkansas mental health providers and advocates from across central Arkansas about what they are experiencing. Led by Dr. Buster Lackey, a licensed professional counselor and the Executive Director of the Arkansas chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, we discussed barriers to treatment, especially telehealth.
This was just the start of my efforts to ensure needed mental health services are reaching those who need them the most during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congress has taken steps to address the mental health challenges posed by COVID-19. On March 27, 2020, with my support, Congress passed the CARES Act, which included $425 million for substance abuse and mental health services and made telehealth easier.
Additionally, Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), and I introduced legislation to get clinical social workers reimbursed for services via telehealth. This bill, H.R. 6654, the Emergency COVID-19 Telehealth Response Act, awaits committee consideration.
If you are struggling, help is available.
If you or a loved one need mental health or substance abuse services, please share this number with them and call the DHS Mental Health Support Line at 1-844-763-0198.
This is a whole-of-community effort, and it requires each of us looking out for our neighbors and friends.
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Outstanding Work in UAMS ICU |
Recently, I recognized Aaron Baxter for his extraordinary work before the U.S. House of Representatives, and that recognition is now part of the permanent Congressional Record.
Aaron began his health care career at UAMS in 2015 as a patient care technician after working in the energy and manufacturing sectors. While working as a patient care technician, Aaron attended nursing school and obtained his RN.
With the current pandemic, Aaron has taken on yet another role in his unit, working as both a COVID nurse and a D-officer, where his role is to help colleagues make sure they are properly using and removing their protective equipment.
His previous experience working with high voltage powerlines and steel fabrication has provided him with the ability to carefully monitor and identify safety issues during this process.
Aaron’s superiors say that he is a team player who stands out due to his high regard for patient care and safety.
I thank Aaron for his dedication to protecting the health of Arkansans during this time. He, and frontline workers like him, are vital to us overcoming COVID-19 as a nation.
Recently, I recognized Aaron Baxter for his extraordinary work before the U.S. House of Representatives, and that recognition is now part of the permanent Congressional Record.
| Do you know of a Hometown Hero? |
Do you know someone in your community or a business who has been going above and beyond to help those around them during the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, I’d like to highlight them. Please contact me HERE.
| A Socially Distanced Memorial Day ceremony |
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Safely |
While Memorial Day services across the country were canceled due to COVID-19, Governor Asa Hutchinson led a beautiful, socially distanced ceremony.
I was proud to attend and honor our fallen service members. To watch my remarks, click HERE or on the image below.
This shows that we can comply with CDC standards and that COVID-19 will not stop us from honoring those who have fallen serving our country.
This year, there was not a state-sponsored ceremony to place flags on veterans' graves before Memorial Day, but small groups of Arkansans made sure that their graves were honored.
To watch Governor Hutchinson's touching remarks, click HERE or on the image below.
At Monday’s Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony, I had the chance to pay my respects to Gold Star Families who lost a loved one in the line of duty at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
| LAST CHANCE. DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR FIREFIGHTER GRANTS |
Application for SAFER Grant Due May 27 |
Due to the economic hardships facing local jurisdictions and fire departments across the country because of COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has waived the cost-share, position cost limit, supplanting, and minimum budget requirements for the 2019 Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency and Response (SAFER) Grant applicants. In addition, the application period is being extended to May 27, 2020.
If you would like a grant support letter to assist you in securing a SAFER grant, please call my office at (501) 324-5941, or contact me HERE.
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VISIT WASHINGTON, D.C., OVER THE WEB
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Virtual Tours of the Monuments |
Many Arkansas families come to Washington, D.C., after school finishes to tour the Capital area. Since many of you cannot get to Washington, D.C., and many of the sites are currently closed, we thought we would bring it to you.
The Lincoln Memorial is offering virtual tours and reflections by the National Park Service Rangers on the history and legacy of President Lincoln and the monument in his name.
To access these resources, click HERE or on the image below.
It is my honor to represent you in Congress. Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or Hill.House.gov if I may be of service to you.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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