For now, we have a new normal, maneuvering COVID-19. We are having to wrestle with life’s challenges from a new perspective and approach. Mental health issues are on the rise. As a result, thousands of Americans die every year from suicide. As of 2019, Arkansas communities lost more than 500 of our precious loved ones to suicide. September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. We view this as a time to share stories and resources that will, hopefully, remove the stigma and shed light and understanding on the topic.
The Assembly passed Act 811 in 2017 mandating all Arkansas calls made to the National Suicide Prevention line be operated by our own Arkansas Department of Health. The premise for this law is that local professionals and caregivers would better understand readily accessible resources for Arkansas citizens in crisis. The Arkansas Suicide Prevention lifeline receives over a 1,000 calls each day. The 2019 Legislative Assembly also passed Act 551 requiring the Committee I serve on, the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs as well as the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental issues within Arkansas to examine veteran concerns including the incidence of suicide by December 1 of this year. The Assembly continued our support of suicide prevention passing Act 962. This legislation made encouraging the act of suicide a Class D Felony offense. There is no simple solution for this challenge; however, making it a community priority is a start to reaching those who are in crisis. If you or someone you know needs help, please text TALK to 741741 or chat online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Veterans can access the Veteran Crises line by calling the same number and pressing option number one (1).
In other community news, I hope that everyone has continued practicing safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Governor has announced a new health partnership between the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and Baptist Health to increase testing. Last week I mentioned that many of our students have started back to school for the year, and the focus is on college campuses. As of Friday September 11, 2020, there were a total of 1,107 new cases and thirteen (13) deaths in one day from the coronavirus. A third (1/3) of the new COVID-19 cases were reported to be on college campuses in our state. A total of 392 patients remain hospitalized from coronavirus. There are 5,713 active cases and almost 70,000 people in Arkansas have tested positive to date. As a reminder, please continue all safety practices. Wear masks and try to maintain six (6) feet of social distance when possible. Sanitize common surfaces; wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds; and stay home if you are sick.
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.
