Sickle Cell group names speaker
The Mutual Sickle Cell Anemia Support Group will host its annual banquet on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Guaranteed Rates building, 2402 E. Harding Ave., across the street from the Corrections Department administration building.
The guest speaker will be Rhonda Coleman, a doctor of nursing practice, an advanced practice registered nurse and an educator with more than 45 years in the medical field, according to a news release.
She specializes in adult care and preventative medicine and is passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of nurses, according to the release.
Coleman also operates a private practice, offering care during evenings, weekends and via telehealth.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
At the age of 60, she returned to school to pursue her master’s degree, then on to her doctorate. She is also a wife, mother of two daughters and grandmother to a 3-year-old.
“Her journey is a testament to perseverance, illuminating the importance of embracing new chapters, regardless of age or circumstance. Colleagues and students alike are inspired by Dr. Coleman’s warmth and her steadfast dedication to improving the lives of those around her,” according to the release.
The banquet honoree is Classie Jones Green, a retired nurse who was formerly chair of the Drew County Sickle Cell Anemia Chapter in Monticello and served on the Arkansas State Board of Sickle Cell Anemia.
Tickets are $25 each and proceeds will support the group’s initiatives. To purchase tickets or make a donation, contact Barbara Marbley at (870) 209-7514 or Rosie Sanders at (870) 643-0712.
Wilmot receives DRA funding
A southeast Arkansas town is among recipients of funds from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) which awarded nearly $1.8 million to 16 communities through its Strategic Planning Program, according to a news release.
In Arkansas, Wilmot was awarded more than $124,000 to develop a master plan for transforming the business district of Wilmot into an economic corridor that will leverage the town’s key assets while also revitalizing the area through entrepreneurship and business development.
The DRA’s Strategic Planning Program is a funding opportunity providing communities within the DRA region with resources to develop strategies that maximize opportunities in public infrastructure, workforce development and small business development and entrepreneurship.
Through the program, DRA has invested approximately $3.3 million to date toward 29 projects in its final round of funding for the 2025 fiscal year. Details: www.dra.gov.
State to govern food programs
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, on Sept. 12 announced the transition of statewide nutrition programs to the Department of Agriculture.
The transition will be effective Oct. 1, according to a news release.
Nutrition programs transitioning to the state Department of Agriculture include federal programs such as the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Feeding Program, Summer Food Service Program, Emergency Food Assistance Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant Program. The Department of Agriculture will now serve as the primary state agency responsible for the administration of these programs.
“The move reflects Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ commitment to strengthening the connection between Arkansas agriculture and statewide nutrition programs,” according to the release. “This partnership aligns with Arkansas’s efforts to enhance collaboration between farmers, ranchers, and statewide nutrition programs to support healthy meals while promoting locally grown products and addressing food insecurity in Arkansas.”
As part of this transition, the department is also launching a new pilot program, Arkansas Rice in Schools, to increase the use of Arkansas-grown rice in school meal programs. Arkansas leads the nation in rice production, and the initiative will both highlight this homegrown commodity and provide students with nutritious, locally sourced meals, according to the release.
Participating districts will receive training, recipes and classroom education from department staff.
“Transitioning our statewide nutrition programs to the Department of Agriculture is not only about good governance and streamlining the administration processes; it is also about encouraging stronger relationships between Arkansas’ farmers and the people who benefit from these programs,” said Sanders. “Additionally, the Arkansas Rice in Schools pilot program will give Arkansas students access to much needed food while also educating them on rice production and its significant contribution to the state’s economy. Both of these announcements build on my administration’s efforts to make sure every Arkansas student gets the food they need to come to class ready to learn.”
Details: agriculture.arkansas.gov/.