Dear Friends,
Since I was elected to Congress, I have been a strong supporter of central Arkansas’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). I am proud to serve as the Vice Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus and partner with my peers in Congress to find effective legislative solutions to support these valuable educational institutions.
This week during HBCU week, I want to share what these minority-serving academic institutions do for our communities and highlight my continued work in Congress to support their mission.
In central Arkansas, we are fortunate to be the home of four HBCUs. Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Shorter College, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).
Each of these institutions has excelled at educating the next generation of leaders and positively affecting our community.
Earlier this year, I recorded this video about the impact our HBCUs have in Arkansas. I extend my thanks to Arkansas Baptist College Interim President Regina Favors, Philander Smith College President Roderick Smothers, Shorter College President Jerome Green, and UAPB Chancellor Dr. Laurence B. Alexander, along with current students for helping to highlight the good work our HBCUs are doing.
Together HBCU educators and administrators are proving that education is one of the best investments America can make.
In Congress, I have been proud to work alongside my colleagues to champion legislation that bolsters the amazing work that our HBCUs are doing. For the last three Congresses, I have been proud to introduce the Shift Back to Society Act, which, inspired by the work of Arkansas Baptist College, creates a pilot program where HBCUs can be eligible for federal grants to provide educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals to improve their transition back into society.
Inspired by Shorter’s work under the Second Chance Pell program, I was also proud to join Congressman Danny Davis in the introduction of the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act, which repeals the ban on Pell eligibility for incarcerated individuals, providing another avenue for education and rehabilitation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I, along with other members of Congress, wrote to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration asking that university and college work-study students not be included as part of the 500-employee threshold, which they agreed to.
By doing so, one of our HBCUs here in central Arkansas, Shorter College, which was founded in 1886, was able to receive a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan that helped ensure they could keep employees on payroll even during these incredibly challenging times facing higher learning.
For more information click HERE or on the image below.
Every student in America deserves the opportunity to succeed. In Arkansas, HBCUs have served thousands of students and helped them achieve their dreams of a college education. I am committed to building a strong education system that prepares all our students for success in a 21st-century global economy.
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National Suicide Prevention Month
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Discussing How to Address Veteran Suicide |
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, 554 Arkansans died by suicide in 2018. Earlier this afternoon, I joined Angela Campagna and Jason Tooke on their podcast, Crazy Talk Podcasts, to talk about what can be done to prevent veteran suicide. Our interview will air HERE on Friday morning, and I encourage everyone to listen.
Talking about suicide and mental health can seem overwhelming. For too long, people have avoided discussing the difficult topic of suicide. Confronting suicide directly is the first step towards lowering suicide rates. Our military heroes are especially vulnerable. According to the VA, we lose more than 6,000 veterans every year due to suicide.
If you or a loved one is struggling, you are not alone.
Help is available 24 /7 through 911 or the national suicide prevention lifeline: (800) 273-8255.
Suicide is a complicated public health issue that affects all communities across the United States. For my part, I am committed to delivering that supports mental health programs that save lives, because one life lost to suicide is too many.
| federal funds at work in Arkansas |
Supporting Substance Abuse Disorder and Mental Health Rehabilitation |
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has used an emergency grant for mental health and substance abuse disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop AR Connect.
This program is a virtual way for those in need to connect with medical health professionals who can address their needs. I encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health or substance abuse to contact AR Connect at (800) 482-9921.
Attention Veterans: Flu Shots Available |
Central Arkansas veterans are able to get free flu shots through primary care and geriatric care clinics in addition to all eight Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System CAVHS community-based outpatient clinics.
They are also available at:
- John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the walk-in clinic in the green atrium and in the drive-through clinic parking lot.
- Eugene J. Towbin VA Medical Center in North Little Rock, in the Towbin Facility, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM and in Lane 1 in the North Parking Lot Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
The flu vaccine is the best protection against becoming sick, especially for those at risk of flu-based complications such as those who are above the age of 65 or have underlying conditions.
For more information on VA flu shots in the Little Rock area, visit HERE.
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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