Around the District
This week marked a district work period, which means I got to spend time doing my favorite thing: traveling throughout the district. Read more below!
Suicide Prevention
Congressman Womack talks to Jacqueline Sharp about suicide prevention efforts in Arkansas
Too many lives are lost to suicide each year. From children to adults, stress and isolation have profoundly impacted the well-being of Americans. We need to bring the silent epidemic of mental health out of the shadows. For many, it can be difficult to talk about one’s feelings, thoughts about suicide, or how to get help. We can all play a role in helping those in need of support. By working together to recognize the signs, raise awareness of suicide, and open the conversation with each other, we can all make a difference and play role in helping those in need of support. I appreciated talking to Jacqueline Sharp about the Arkansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s work in the Third District. Their mission is simple and important: save lives. If you or a loved one are struggling, please know help is available. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or other emotional distress. You can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org, whether you need help or are worried about someone else. You are not alone.
Walmart Health Center
Congressman Womack visiting the new Walmart Health Center in Rogers
I visited the new Walmart Health Center in Rogers. The facility is a one-stop shop for Arkansans. It offers primary and urgent medical care, as well as dental, optometry, and other health services. They employ community healthcare workers that help patients with follow-up after appointments, including supporting healthy habits, like nutrition, grocery shopping, exercise, etc. Additionally, they employ transparent pricing models, and a majority of services are done in-house. For example, crowns for dental work can be created on the same day. Their comprehensive approach is all about improving overall wellness in the Third District. The company is planning to open more clinics nationwide.
Pea Ridge Police Department
Congressman Womack with Pea Ridge Police Department officers
The badge signifies those who put their lives on the line for our safety. Arkansas police deserve our gratitude, and I thanked the Pea Ridge Police Department for their work to protect and serve. I joined Pea Ridge Mayor and Chief of Police Lynn Hahn to talk to officers. I heard about force equipment, tools, training, and the needs of the force. Law enforcement is often the first to respond to various emergencies and situations. They shared how NARCAN has allowed them to save lives and reduce the number of overdose tragedies. We also remember Officer Kevin Apple, who was tragically killed in the line of duty last year while working to apprehend two suspects. He confronted the threat. In so doing, he gave his life for his community. We will always honor his sacrifice and memory. Our police officers risk their lives each day to secure our communities, and we must continue to support their efforts.
Zipline
Congressman Womack after watching a Zipline demo
While in Pea Ridge, I also stopped by Zipline to see the latest on their autonomous aircrafts taking flight in the Third District. This first-of-its-kind drone delivery service in Northwest Arkansas is leveraging technology to revolutionize delivery and make quick, on-demand drop-offs a reality! The Zipline service was first used in Africa, where the organization has delivered hundreds of thousands of shipments of life-saving blood, medicine, and supplies to hospitals and health facilities. As the company expanded, they realized there were opportunities to redefine the supply chain across many sectors, including healthcare, retail and e-commerce, and defense and disaster response. It’s always great to see the entrepreneurial work and services happening in our own backyard.
Rogers Adult Wellness Center
Congressman Womack visits the Adult Wellness Center
I dropped by the Adult Wellness Center in Rogers to say hello to some of my fellow Arkansans and check out the latest at the facility! The center and its staff have such a great impact on our community. As former Mayor of Rogers, it was one of my proudest accomplishments to help get the center off the ground and completed. Today, it continues to improve the quality of life and overall wellness for Arkansans 50 years and older. From a state-of-the-art fitness center with cardiovascular and strength training equipment to pools and arts and craft studios, residents are able to take advantage of the many resources to live healthier, active, and engaging lifestyles. Special thanks to Lesli Ossenfort for leading the center and taking us around!
JDRF
Congressman Womack meets with Theo and JDRF advocates in his office
Theo is a huge soccer fan! He told me all about the best teams and his heroes on the field. His favorite player is Jordan Morris whom he shares something in common with—they both are living with Type 1 Diabetes. Theo may be young, but he's a warrior. He shared how T1D impacts his daily routine, but he won't let it stop him from doing what he loves, like watching sports or reading the Magic Treehouse books. When he isn’t engaged in his hobbies, Theo is an advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). We talked about insulin affordability, making sure the FDA stays on top of approving cutting-edge devices and treatments for diabetes, and the Special Diabetes Program. I support the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, a bipartisan bill that lowers out-of-pocket costs and protects the creation of new cures. Innovation is key to developing future treatments, and policies shouldn't stop lifesaving research and development. Thanks to Theo and JDRF for meeting with me!
Gravette City Hall and Police Department
Congressman Womack with Gravette Chief of Police Chuck Skaggs and Mayor Kurt Maddox
It was great to be with Gravette Mayor Kurt Maddox to tour the new City Hall and Police Department. The modernized complex is impressive. It will serve Gravette well to have these resources under one roof, especially as the city and main street area continue to grow. Gravette Chief of Police Chuck Skaggs gave an overview of the body cam system, training, vehicle computer technology, and the programs that keep the department connected. We also talked about their community-centered approach. They are focused on strong relationships and respect. For example, they have put a QR code on the back of a card that officers carry and share with citizens after interactions. It is linked to a survey, which allows residents to express concerns or support. They’ve gotten good feedback, and that shows the strength of our law enforcement. I also said hello to Shannon Higgins, who supports city building inspection and code efforts. The facility is a great anchor for the downtown area. Gravette leadership is planning ahead on infrastructure and project development to ensure the area is prepared for expected growth.
Can Do Hardware
Congressman Womack visiting Can Do Hardware
Small businesses move our local and national economy. I visited Can Do Hardware, a family-owned and operated store in Gravette. Joey manages it alongside his father Brent. From hardware and supplies to novelty candy, they sell a range of goods. They recently hit a new record of customers served in one day! Small businesses are job creators and the engine of our communities' main streets. The entrepreneurial spirit of Arkansas has always been a core component of our success, and the hardworking owners of Can Do Hardware exemplify that fact.
Gravette Chamber of Commerce
Congressman Womack at the Gravette Chamber of Commerce meeting
Natural State chambers contribute so much to the economic vitality and strong business environments we boast. I joined the Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce for their meeting and gave updates on the latest from Congress and the importance of pro-growth policies! The strong growth in the region shows how Gravette and other areas in the region are doing exactly what they should be doing. There is no place like home, and that statement rings especially true as I travel throughout the Third District.
NWACC
Congressman Womack with NWACC President Dr. Dennis Rittle
With a commitment to excellence and teaching Arkansans, NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is vital to the Third District. I met NWACC President Dr. Dennis Rittle to discuss higher education and academia. He previously served our nation in the Air Force and will now continue serving our community by leading this institution. Thank you for your work and dedication to educating our future leaders.
BOMA NWA
Congressman Womack speaking to BOMA of NWA
I spoke to members of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Northwest Arkansas. We talked about challenges impacting local businesses and families, including inflation and supply chain issues. People are being forced to make tough financial decisions, and recent Democrat policies won't help our economic outlook. Congress can't even complete its most basic duty of appropriations funding, but that hasn't stopped the federal government from excessively spending taxpayer dollars. We must make hard decisions to get our fiscal house in order. Inflation won't be cured by tax-and-spend policies. Read more about the meeting here.
Back to School – Congressional App Challenge
Congressman Womack invites Third District students to join the Congressional App Challenge
The beginning of the school year marks the start of new opportunities and challenges. As our classrooms are filled with the best and brightest, I know inquisitive minds and creative thinking are being activated. Remember, your idea could be the next winning app! I encourage all local middle and high school students to leverage their STEM skills and participate in this year’s challenge. I hope all our teachers, educators, and students, including my grandsons, had a great first week back to school! Read more about the Congressional App Challenge here.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead, I look forward to seeing you around Arkansas next week. You can keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office. |