Election board to meet
Michael Adam, chairman of the Jefferson County Election Commission, is calling a meeting of the Board of Election Commissioners for Monday at 10 a.m. at the Election Commission Office, 123 S. Main St.
The purpose is for logic and accuracy testing and public testing of voting machines, election media, and vote tabulation devices. One or more of the election commissioners may be present which would constitute a meeting, according to a news release.
Apprenticeship program seeks applicants
Officials with the U.S. Department of Labor say the application portal for the Arkansas-led Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is now open, according to a newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Officials say the program is done as a cooperative agreement and the DOL toward workforce development.
According to Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the fund will support the creation, expansion, and long-term sustainability of high-quality registered apprenticeships in more than 120 advanced manufacturing occupations nationwide.
Apprenticeships will be in fields such as aerospace and defense, automotive, biotechnology, shipbuilding, supply chain and automation, nuclear energy and semiconductors.
The $35.8 million fund is designed to incentivize employers nationwide to develop, expand or join existing advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeship programs through a pay-for-performance model. Through the program, eligible registered apprenticeship sponsors will receive $3,500 for each new apprentice hired.
Black Hall of Fame offers grants
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, is offering grants for nonprofits that serve African American or underserved populations in Arkansas.
Eligible nonprofits with programs focused on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are encouraged to apply. Proposals will be accepted online now through April 1, according to a news release.
“We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of our donors and sponsors,” said Charles Stewart, ABHOF chair. “Their continued commitment makes it possible for us to support grassroots organizations that are creating meaningful impact in communities across Arkansas. As challenges evolve, it remains essential to invest in organizations working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for our citizens.”
Since 2004, ABHOF has granted more than $875,000 to nonprofits across the state. Grant funds cannot be allocated for salary support or to support general operating budgets outside the specific proposal or project.
Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hospitals, public schools, and government agencies are eligible to apply now through April 1.
UAM reports success in diabetes project
Delivering family-centered diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs through digital health can significantly improve health outcomes for people with Type 2 diabetes, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities, according to researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation.
Diabetes affects nearly 11% of the U.S. population and poses an even greater burden in Arkansas, where nearly 15% of residents are living with the disease. As a majority rural state, Arkansas faces unique challenges regarding access to diabetes care and education, including long travel distances, transportation barriers and limited local resources — making digital health a critical strategy for reaching those most in need.
The study, Comparative Effectiveness of Telehealth-Delivered Family Model of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support, is the first to compare standard and family models of DSMES delivered virtually, according to a news release.
Researchers found that participants in both digital health DSMES models experienced clinically significant improvements in blood sugar control and management immediately following the program and up to 12 months later.
Notably, the family-centered model led to an increase in helpful family involvement in diabetes care while reducing the potential for harmful family behaviors that could undermine self-management efforts, such as encouraging unhealthy food choices or planning meals that are not diabetes-friendly.
“These results show that DSMES programs are highly effective in improving diabetes outcomes when delivered through digital health,” said Jennifer Andersen, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the institute. “This is especially important among rural populations. Although both approaches helped participants achieve meaningful changes to their health, the family-centered model strengthened supportive family involvement in diabetes care, highlighting the value of engaging patient support networks.”
Additionally, researchers noted that the family-centered model may reduce diabetes-related risk among family members and supportive networks by promoting healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and other self-care behaviors.
“For many rural residents, traveling long distances for diabetes education simply isn’t feasible,” said Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., director of the institute. “Digital health removes that barrier and demonstrates that geography does not have to limit access to care and education, while allowing us to support both individuals living with diabetes, their family members or their support networks.”
The virtual health delivery model met national accreditation standards for DSMES and achieved high attendance, engagement and fidelity without any additional cost or education burden, demonstrating that scalable, reimbursable digital health education is achievable statewide.