Weekly Columns
We are blessed to live in a free country, but that freedom doesn’t come without a price. Every year, Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to remember our fallen heroes and reflect on all that they sacrificed for our country. While many of us can’t gather in person this year, that shouldn’t stop us from taking time to honor the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.
When COVID-19 first began to spread, I don’t think any of us could have predicted just how catastrophic it would become. After more than two months of shelter in place protocols, almost 40 million Americans have lost their jobs and don’t know what the future holds.
With all eyes focused on COVID-19 relief efforts, it’s easy to lose sight of others in our health care system, those with chronic illnesses or underlying medical issues. One particular group in need of assistance is veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and are suffering from severe illnesses as a result.
Even though Governor Hutchinson has begun the process of reopening Arkansas, that doesn’t mean things will immediately return to normal. Doctors and nurses on the front lines of COVID-19 relief still need vast amounts of personal protective equipment (PPE) for their daily work, and rural health clinics performing elective procedures and other services will also have an increased need for PPE.
Adjusting to the new normal of social isolation hasn’t been easy, and we’ve all had to make sacrifices to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy. But even though many of us are staying home, that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! There’s a reason Arkansas is the Natural State, and you can enjoy a lot of that natural beauty from your own yard.
These days, reading the news is sobering at best. News of COVID-19 spreading across the world, infecting friends and loved ones, and causing economic instability is all over the headlines. However, even in these uncertain times, I’ve also heard so many stories about Arkansan communities coming together to support and care for each other.
With Governor Hutchinson’s announcement that all schools will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, I know many of you are looking for ways to occupy your children. There’s a variety of resources available both online and on public broadcast, and I encourage you to take advantage of the extra time at home to explore some new activities.
Ever since Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act, I know many of you have had questions about what this bill means for you, your families and your businesses. I hosted a telephone town hall to hear from you and answer your questions. UAMS Chancellor Dr.
As the U.S. grapples with containing COVID-19, Congress has been working to provide emergency funding for research, relief efforts, small businesses, unemployed workers and more. Phase III of the funding plan, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed the House and Senate the week of March 22.
COVID-19 is presenting many unique challenges to American families, lawmakers, state and local officials, businesses and many others. These are uncharted waters for all of us, and it’s important we remain united and work together to care for our friends and loved ones.