I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and were able to limit your travel and celebration groups as much as possible. Please remember that we are still battling COVID-19. Again, one of the most susceptible and vulnerable times is intimate social gatherings with family and friends. We are around people we trust, and we take our masks off to eat or visit. Even asymptomatic family or friends can spread coronavirus. I hope that you and your family are continuing to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. The guidelines encourage us to take heed to only gathering with those individuals who live in our immediate households. It could stop the spread of this deadly virus and save lives. I hope you and your family will make this small sacrifice leading into the Christmas and New Year Holidays as well.
As we continue to work together and educate ourselves on stopping the coronavirus, I would like to take some time to thank those who are dedicated to leading the way. Those are our Healthcare Heroines and Heroes. Governor Hutchinson recently created a COVID-19 Winter Task Force dedicated to keeping us safe during what is an apparent spike in this world pandemic. The Task Force is made up of 19 physicians, health care executives, and state officials to advise the Governor on the vital needs of the medical community during this difficult time. Some of the challenge need areas include insufficient staffing and equipment. To offset the challenge, the State is working on expediting the licensure process for over 1,000 graduating nursing students.
Our doctors and nurses have worked tirelessly extending heroic efforts during this most difficult time. Our healthcare workers continue to save lives and offer comfort to those who are suffering with this horrible disease. A total of eight percent (8%) of all COVID-19 cases have been healthcare workers according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). My colleagues and I extend a special thanks to more than 80,000 technical and healthcare practitioners who serve in Arkansas. Fortunately, healthcare in our state is a growing industry. Nursing assistants, registered nurses, medical assistants, and licensed practical nurses are in top demand according to the 2020 Arkansas Labor and Economic Report. I have shared all of this to raise continued awareness about those who serve the front lines of this challenge. I also want us to stay reminded to support our healthcare heroes and heroines. Please tell them thank you. Buy them groceries or sponsor take-out. They need our support as we all continue the fight against coronavirus.
Also, please remember to stay diligent and stay safe. Coronavirus cases are rising in every state. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands often, and disinfect common surfaces. You and your family are worth it.
Finally, I like to share informative items that constituents might find useful. If you have questions about any legislation or the legislative process, feel free to contact me at my House of Representatives email at don.glover@arkansashouse.org or by phone at 501-682-6211. Follow me on Facebook @GloverForAR.
