August 10, 2021— While the nation and the state of Arkansas are seeing multiple concerns dealing with the corona virus infectious disease pandemic, Dumas Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) is fighting to mitigate and work on strategies to contain the virus from spreading.
During the visit from Governor Hutchinson last month during his statewide town hall meetings, REDI announced the first citywide testing campaign which began on the same week, Friday July 30.
This week beginning Thursday, August 13, the testing continues and goes directly to neighborhoods. A start will be with apartment complexes to include the Meadows, Pecan Groove, etc. In addition to testing, these units are on a list to receive antiviral products to help keep their properties well sanitized.
Infectious Disease Expert, Dr. Lane Rolling makes a return visit to educate and speaks directly to people of color and people of all backgrounds to share the facts about the testing, the vaccines and strategies from a medical doctor who has done the research and the real-life successful treatments for people all over the world with infectious diseases. His visit will be August 23. More on this next week.
“We can talk, pray and some of us even worry and be afraid and full of anxiety stress factors, or we can find ways to help make Dumas a safer and more progressive acting township with works like these. To have a team coming to Dumas helping us in Dumas to fight off this pandemic is God’s gift. We have been out front with food distribution of fresh foods serving thousands of citizens, and that’s health and wellness. We are prayerful that more people will help and donate to these efforts as we do more in the pandemic with these health and wellness projects through education, testing and sanitizing,” stated Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr.
REDI is comprised of organizations, leaders and volunteers who include, The College of Aspiring Artists, ASC Property Management, THE LEGACY CENTER in West Dumas and others. The medical crew through a collaborative partnership between Dr. Karen Crowell, MD of Pinnacle Family Medicine and Alethea Mays, Chief Executive Officer of RHEA Medical Support Services are engaging in the COVID testing initiative. Special support from the Dumas REDI team is compelling the city officials, business owners, faith-based organizations, etc., to join in this effort. All testing is free and crews will cover the city.
Jobs are available for persons who want to train and be certified to administer the test. Background in the medical profession such as CNA’s, Medical Assistants are welcomed, and others can be trained. Compensation is $12—20 per hour. The first meeting is Thursday, August 12 at 5:30pm. Persons interested can call 870.501.0356 or email allofdumasunited@gmail.com
