VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson to Announce Plans for Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid Test Distribution Wednesday 130PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will make an announcement regarding the distribution of Abbott BinaxNOW Rapid COVID-19 Tests live at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the state will start using antigen testing kits to conduct weekly COVID-19 testing of employees at certain public school districts, as well as at all state prisons and Human Development Centers run by the Department of Human Services. The tests will be performed using BinaxNOW kits made by Abbott Laboratories that return results in about 15 minutes without the use of any other equipment.

State Announces Antigen Testing Plan for School, Prison, DHS Employees

On Wednesday, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced the state will start using antigen testing kits to conduct weekly COVID-19 testing of employees at certain public school districts, as well as at all state prisons and Human Development Centers run by the Department of Human Services.

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,229
Confirmed Cases: 1,202
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 520
Confirmed Cases: 486
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 374
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 308
Confirmed Cases: 304
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1

Stand Up for America November 7th in Nashville

UA Cossatot Colts Help with Food Pantry in De Queen

“A huge thank you to the UA Cossatot Colts Men's Basketball Team and Coach Robert Byrd for helping us unload food at the De Queen Church of Christ Food Pantry today. Awesome young men.” - Toney Stowers

Phone Service Out Temporarily Later This Week at UA Cossatot

UA Cossatot is upgrading to a new phone system this week. On Wednesday, October 14th, sometime between 10:00 and 11:15 am, phone service at UAC will be interrupted for a short period of time. We expect an outage of approximately fifteen minutes for our toll free number, 800-844-4471, as well as the numbers for all of our staff. However, our Nashville and Ashdown numbers may take longer to restore. There could be longer, isolated outages associated with individual numbers. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience, and we do appreciate your patience.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,229
Confirmed Cases: 1,202
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 8
Active Probable Cases: 7

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 520
Confirmed Cases: 486
Probable Cases: 34
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 397
Confirmed Cases: 374
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 308
Confirmed Cases: 304
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 35
Active Confirmed Cases: 33
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 249
Confirmed Cases: 244
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 1

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 654 new cases; 7,839 active cases; 608 hospitalized, which is up 32 from Sunday; 104 on ventilators, which is up 5 from Sunday; deaths added today, 17, for a total of 1,586; a total of 93,487 cases; 80,496 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,089; antigen tests, 705.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 80; Washington, 57; Sebastian, 33; Craighead, 32; and Benton, 27.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Our hospitalizations continue to be at a high level. This puts stress on our healthcare workers. While we have sufficient bed capacity in our hospitals, this does strain the system. This is why we need to work together to reduce our cases and reduce our hospitalizations.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

American Cancer Society VIPinks Ambassador Keisha McKinney at Ed 88 Studios

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and American Cancer Society VIPinks Ambassador, Keisha McKinney, visited our De Queen studio recently to talk about her cancer experience and how we can help in the battle to defeat this disease.

Sunday's COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,226
Confirmed Cases: 1,201
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 515
Confirmed Cases: 483
Probable Cases: 32
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 393
Confirmed Cases: 371
Probable Cases: 22
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 304
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 33
Active Confirmed Cases: 30
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 247
Confirmed Cases: 242
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 17
Active Confirmed Cases: 14
Active Probable Cases: 3

To protect yourself and others, the ADH recommends:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

• Practice physical distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.

• If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek testing. Testing is available in many locations, including ADH Local Health Units.

• Wear a face covering when you are exposed to non-household members and physical distancing cannot be assured. Click here to read the requirements.

Howard Memorial Hospital Offers Telehealth

Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Slowing the Epidemic of Drug Addiction

LITTLE ROCK – In October, we are bringing attention to the challenge of drug addiction, and today I’d like to highlight some efforts to slow it.

We are making progress in reducing the number of overdose deaths. Last year, we were down 18 percent over 2018, and this year, we were down another 17 percent. Arkansas’s rate of reduction is the second-best in the nation.

In September, we received news that we had been awarded a $21 million federal grant to expand substance-abuse-treatment programs.

And this month, I have proclaimed the week of October 23rd as National Red Ribbon Week and October 28th as “Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas.” “Drug Take Back Day” is October 24th.

Arkansas Drug Director Kirk Lane oversees Drug Take Back Day, which in the past ten years has collected more than 200 tons of unused and out-of-date medicines for disposal. Kirk also has piloted the use of Naloxone, an antidote for legal opioids and heroin. His office has trained first responders, and they have supplied Narcan kits that have prevented more than 550 opioid overdose deaths since 2017. From March through July, EMS and hospitals have seen about 270 saves per month.

Another initiative is “Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Awareness Day in Arkansas.” It is a statewide project led by the FBI’s Little Rock field office. The group coordinates a simultaneous viewing of Chasing the Dragon in schools around the state. Chasing the Dragon is a frank DEA-FBI documentary that tells the true stories of young people trapped in a world of drugs. The viewing is on October 28th.

At a more personal level, a Northwest Arkansas couple founded the nonprofit Speakup About Drugs after their oldest son died of an overdose. He started smoking marijuana in the 11th grade and quickly moved to Adderall and then to Xanax. The family sought the help of doctors and counselors, and he was working hard to beat his addiction. But in 2017, when he was twenty-one, he consumed a fatal dose of cocaine laced with fentanyl.

The mission of Speakup About Drugs is to educate, advocate, support, and prevent drug abuse and overdoses. They help people get into treatment. Gina Allgaier is the mom. She wants to see those struggling with addiction and their families put back together and healed. She praises Drug Take Back Day and says it has kept prescription drugs out of the hands of young people.

In Arkansas, we are seeking to raise awareness and prevent new victims from falling prey to addiction, and we want to ensure access to treatment for those who have. We want to reinforce our commitment to holding those who contribute to this epidemic accountable. This is a tough topic to talk about, but we must if we are to slow this epidemic. Thank you to all those who have joined forces against it.

Saturday's COVID-19 Maps and Numbers from Arkansas Department of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,224
Confirmed Cases: 1,199
Probable Cases: 25
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 8

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 514
Confirmed Cases: 483
Probable Cases: 31
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 17
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 390
Confirmed Cases: 367
Probable Cases: 23
Total Active Cases: 15
Active Confirmed Cases: 12
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 304
Confirmed Cases: 300
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 34
Active Confirmed Cases: 31
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 246
Confirmed Cases: 241
Probable Cases: 5
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 3

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,167 new cases; 7,468 active cases; 560 hospitalized, which is up 13 from Thursday; 101 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Thursday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 1,530; a total of 91,312 cases; 79,012 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,715; antigen tests, 1,225.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 77; Washington, 76; Craighead, 74; Sebastian, 49; and Benton, 47.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Yesterday was another record day of testing with almost 14,000 total tests performed. Our new cases continue to be too high. As we all go about our weekend, let's make sure to wear a mask and keep our distance. We are constantly reminded of how serious this virus is and how easily it can spread.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole has a College Grant Update

Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor at UA Cossatot talked with Ed 88 about a number of grants the college was recently awarded, including one that totals $2.2 million.

In Observance of Hispanic Heritage Month

The Center for Student Success would like to continue to recognize some of our UA Cossatot Hispanic employees that are making an impact on our students throughout the month of October!

Hector Cortez

Hector Cortez is one of three campus police and resides in Nashville, AR. His family originates from Jalisco, Mexico. Hector’s mom is from a town named Tamazula and his dad is from a town called Tototlan.  They grew up about 3 ½ hours away from each other, but met in Los Angeles, CA in the mid 70’s.  Hector is not only a proud father but also a loving husband.  He is a current college student working towards obtaining an Associate’s degree and is a prime example of what it means to be dedicated.   Hector is also a key component in helping provide food assistance to students on Nashville campus and was also huge asset in helping provide commodities to the De Queen community area benefiting 300+ families. Hector states, “Being Hispanic means having a heritage that is bold and full of life. From family traditions to food, it is always colorful and full of fun.  I plan on earning my Associates Degree here at Cossatot in the next couple of semesters and not long after, earning my Bachelor’s Degree. 

We are proud to have Hector Cortez as part of our campus community! 

If you or someone has questions in regards to campus security you can call and ask for Hector Cortez at: 870-584-4471. 

Thursday COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,218
Confirmed Cases: 1,198
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 11
Active Confirmed Cases: 5
Active Probable Cases: 6

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 19
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 4

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 375
Confirmed Cases: 355
Probable Cases: 20
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 297
Confirmed Cases: 294
Probable Cases: 3
Total Active Cases: 29
Active Confirmed Cases: 27
Active Probable Cases: 2

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 240
Confirmed Cases: 236
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 13
Active Confirmed Cases: 11
Active Probable Cases: 2

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 809 new cases; 6,686 active cases; 538 hospitalized, which is up 9 from Tuesday; 98 on ventilators, which is down 1 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 13, for a total of 1,482; a total of 88,880 cases; 77,660 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,975; antigen tests, 1,110.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Craighead, 60; Pulaski, 57; Jefferson, 44; Washington, 26; and Sebastian, 23.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“There seems to be a pattern of increased cases toward the latter part of the week as so many go in for testing after a weekend. If the trend holds, cases may go up again toward the end of the week and then decline from there. Regardless, we are hoping to keep the peak this week lower than last week. Everyone do your part.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Tuesday's COVID-19 Update from the AR Dept of Health

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,214
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 17
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 373
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 14
Active Confirmed Cases: 13
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 281
Confirmed Cases: 279
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 2

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided today's update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response.

In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 417 new cases; 6,922 active cases; 524 hospitalized, which is up 15 from Sunday; 93 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Sunday; deaths added today, 22, for a total of 1,447; a total of 87,430 cases; 76,204 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,305; antigen tests, 845.

The Health Department reported that the top counties for new cases are Pulaski, 58; Washington, 34; Sebastian, 28; Craighead, 23; Benton, 15; Crawford, 15; and Faulkner, 15.

Governor Hutchinson released the following statement on today’s COVID-19 numbers:

“Today we are reminded that more cases lead to increased hospitalizations. The number of hospitalized is too high. While it is manageable, it's important to slow the spread of this virus to keep people out of the hospital because of COVID-19.”

Here are today's COVID-19 statewide numbers:

Bearden First Daisy Award Recipient at Howard Memorial Hospital

Svetlana Bearden, RN was the first Daisy Award recipient at Howard Memorial Hospital

UA Cossatot Students Excel with Internship Opportunities at Tyson Foods

Howard Memorial Hospital Honors Ken Young for His Service on the Board

Ken Young served on the Howard Memorial Hospital Board from July 2014 through July 2020.   Due to COVID and not having in-person meetings, it was difficult to present him with this plaque. Finally, Debra, Bill and Alesha were able to present this plaque to Ken for our appreciation of his loyal and dedicated service to Howard Memorial Hospital.

Monday COVID-19 Case Numbers and Maps

COVID-19 Metrics for Sevier County
Total Cumulative Cases: 1,213
Confirmed Cases: 1,197
Probable Cases: 16
Total Active Cases: 10
Active Confirmed Cases: 7
Active Probable Cases: 3

COVID-19 Metrics for Howard County
Total Cumulative Cases: 503
Confirmed Cases: 476
Probable Cases: 27
Total Active Cases: 21
Active Confirmed Cases: 16
Active Probable Cases: 5

COVID-19 Metrics for Little River County
Total Cumulative Cases: 373
Confirmed Cases: 354
Probable Cases: 19
Total Active Cases: 16
Active Confirmed Cases: 15
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Polk County
Total Cumulative Cases: 280
Confirmed Cases: 278
Probable Cases: 2
Total Active Cases: 22
Active Confirmed Cases: 21
Active Probable Cases: 1

COVID-19 Metrics for Pike County
Total Cumulative Cases: 237
Confirmed Cases: 233
Probable Cases: 4
Total Active Cases: 12
Active Confirmed Cases: 10
Active Probable Cases: 2

There are now 1,425 reported deaths, 1,278 confirmed and 147 probable, due to COVID-19, according to the Arkansas Department of Health, up from 1,407 Saturday.

The department reported 83,306 confirmed cases of the virus and another 3,707 probable cases Sunday, compared to 82,851 confirmed and 3,674 probable cases a day earlier. There are 1,424 active, according to health officials.

Keisha McKinney Included in Inaugural VIPinks Arkansas Campaign/Local leaders Will Raise Awareness and Funds in the Fight to End Breast Cancer

Little Rock, AR – In its inaugural year in Arkansas, 10 leading women will unite to fight breast cancer with the American Cancer Society through participation in the VIPinks campaign. Keisha McKinney, of De Queen, is a member of this elite group. Throughout October, VIPinks will encourage community members to take action in the fight against breast cancer.

“In addition to wearing pink and raising awareness about breast cancer, these women will be raising funds to help the American Cancer Society attack cancer from every angle and save more lives from breast cancer,” said DeAnna Korte, Senior Manager for Community Development for the American Cancer Society. “Funds raised help us save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support.”

Each VIPink participant accepts a fundraising challenge and will compete to be the top fundraiser among her peers by the end of the campaign.

“I am forever indebted to the American Cancer Society. I’m a 12-year cancer survivor and the protocol that sent my cancer into remission was developed by an American Cancer Society funded research team,” stated McKinney. “But fighting this disease is bigger for us. My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago and continues to fight her battle each day. This month she will travel to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX to seek need treatments and potentially enroll in a clinical trial. I know these are treatment options that were not available 10 years ago when she was diagnosed and that is because of generous donors, talented research teams, and the commitment of the American Cancer Society.”

It is noted that nearly 300,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. The American Cancer Society is committed to continue to be the largest funder of cancer research outside of the US government. Each day new therapies, treatment protocols, screening guidelines, and survivorship patterns are being developed through the $64 million invested in cancer research.

During the pandemic, the American Cancer Society has been hit like most non-profits and this year’s VIPinks and Real Men Wear Pink candidates are challenged to continue to raise funds and bring awareness. Locally, McKinney is hosting a freezer meal fundraiser, partnering with local restaurants for a give back night, auctioning drawings by her toddler son, selling tshirts, and receiving online donations at tiny.cc/vipinkkeisha.

Join me at VIPink Arkansas

Why would I not! The American Cancer Society was the organization that developed the treatment and protocol that put my cancer into remission 12 years ago. I'll forever be grateful for this organization. And, now they need us more than ever to continue to offer services for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.

Our community can make a huge impact in the breast cancer cause,” said McKinney. “I am as committed now as I have ever been to raising funds and bringing awareness for this esteemed organization. I often get asked how the dollars help locally and I smile and say look at my face. I am here because of pennies, quarters, and dollars donated one at a time. When someone gets diagnosed with cancer, it doesn’t matter where they live, they have full access to the resources and treatments developed in the labs where the investment would make the greatest impact. That is always a local impact.”

In addition to funding cancer research, the American Cancer Society provides transportation grants, hotel partnerships, a patient hotline that is available 24/7 at 800-227-2345 and trusted information anytime at cancer.org.

American Cancer Society | Information and Resources about for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin

We know a cancer diagnosis can be scary - and overwhelming. Whether you need emotional support, the latest cancer information, a ride to chemo, or a place to stay when treatment is far away, we're here to help - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information about breast cancer or the VIPinks campaign in Arkansas, call 1-800-227-2345.