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According to Every Library Institute, Project 2025 aims to reduce federal oversight protections and spending as well as reallocating responsibilities to states and localities. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Report warns of Project 2025 effect on AR libraries

Changes could be coming for libraries and the people who work there if Project 2025 goes into effect. The 900 page document outlines how agencies …

Advocates said Arkansans who lost Medicaid coverage are missing vital doctor's visits. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid troubles continue for many AR residents

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, workers at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families are interviewing Arkansans about their …

Doctors advised a well-child visit is an opportunity to understand your child's health needs better.<br />(Evgeniy Kalinovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Doctor visits should be part of back-to-school prep for AR students

Arkansas families have a lot of things on their "to-do" list as they prepare for the start of school. In addition to buying school supplies and new …

Mental health professionals said therapy can play a crucial role in helping ALICE populations cope with mental health issues. (ibreakstock/Adobe Stock)

Financial strains create mental-health issues for AR ALICE population

By LaGanzie Kale for KLEK-FM.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KLEK-FM-Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation-Publi…

Organizers says Providence Park, featuring

'Tiny Home' community in AR aims to combat homelessness

By Nathan Treece for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock Public Radio-Win…

With 988 available nationwide, it is up to states to ensure there are crisis services - 24/7 local crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization options - so 988 callers receive the help they need. (DedMityay/Adobe Stock)

Mental health advocates: AR lawmakers can do more to support 988 helpline

Mental health workers are urging lawmakers to draft bipartisan policies to expand access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The service …

Arkansas is among eight states disenrolling so many children in 2023 that fewer were enrolled at year's end than before the pandemic in early 2020. (Nina Lawrenson/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR among top states for children losing health coverage post-COVID

A new report showed the number of children covered by Medicaid varies widely between states as pandemic-era protections were lifted, with Arkansas …

Among adults in Arkansas, 32.6% report symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, almost identical to the national average. (Halfpoint/AdobeStock)

Expert reveals how neuroscience, practical tools helps build mentally strong kids

As Children's Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off in Arkansas, an expert said parents can help their children have a healthy brain to thrive…

In an average year, 549 people die by guns in Arkansas. With a rate of 18.1 deaths per 100,000 people. (AndriiKoval/AdobeStock)

Survey: Young Arkansans Want Stricter Gun Laws

In Arkansas and across the country, 74% of young people in the U.S. believe gun violence is a problem, and 60% want to see stricter gun laws…

A College Futures Foundation report found in higher education, Black, Latino and Asian American college students consistently experience racial microaggressions when their academic abilities are questioned or their presence is ignored. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

AR Addresses Rising Demand for College Mental Health Services

In Arkansas and across the country, student mental health has been the focus of increased attention on campuses. A recent report from the College …

The Kids Count Data Book reports in 2020-21, 15% of children from birth to age 5 in Arkansas lived in families in which someone quit, changed, or refused a job because of problems finding or affording child care. (ShunTerra/Adobe Stock)

Report: Arkansas Ranks 43rd in Child Well-Being

A new report found Arkansas consistently ranks toward the lowest 10 states for child well-being. The annual Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

An American Hospital Association report revealed net losses in 2022 for some of the nation's largest nonprofit health systems were well above $1 billion, and in some cases, approached $2 billion. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock)

Report: Hospitals Face Mounting Financial Pressures

The mounting financial pressures hospitals in Arkansas are facing are part of a national trend affecting people's access to care, according to a …

More than 470,000 students are enrolled in K-12 schools in Arkansas, according to the Arkansas Department of Education Data Center. (Kawee/AdobeStock)

Group Urges Arkansas Schools Districts To Focus On Mental Health Support

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a national education advocacy group wants school districts in Arkansas to continue focusing on and investing …

People with ADHD have characteristic behaviors which are frequent and severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living such as school, work and relationships with others. (ALEX/Adobe Stock)

With ADHD Medicine Shortage, People Seek Other Treatment Options

In Arkansas and across the country there is a shortage of medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which affects more than 1…

The District of Columbia and 35 states have enacted

Telehealth Benefits Rural Arkansans with Internet Service

Telehealth services have increased access to health care for many people living in rural Arkansas, but it requires a good internet connection…

A new study from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families notes continuous coverage protection nearly eliminated churn, protecting children from gaps in health coverage. <br />(Robert Kneschke/AdobeStock)

Arkansas Children's Uninsured Rate Could Rise if Health Emergency Ends

A pandemic-era law to help keep children and families continuously covered is set to expire this spring, and advocates are worried the state's …

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, So chances are you or someone you know has been affected. (Arisha Ray Singh/Adobe Stock)

Suicide Prevention Month an Opportunity to Address Stigma

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shed light on a what has been a highly taboo and stigmatized topic. The Centers for …

22% of Arkansans live in poverty, compared with the national average of 17%. (Presha Photography/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR Child Poverty Rate Improves, But Remains High

Arkansas ranks in the bottom ten of states in a new report on child well-being across the nation. The annual KIDS COUNT report from the Annie E…

The National Institute on Aging says loved ones of people experiencing depression should encourage them to seek medical treatment and stick with a treatment plan a doctor prescribes. (Adobe Stock)

Older Arkansans Face Mental-Health Challenges During COVID-19

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Arkansas health officials are reminding older adults of resources available, as the social …

More than half of all unenrolled adults report that the cost of a college degree is a major factor in why they have not continued their education. (Adobe Stock)

'Emotional Stress' Impacting College Students, Report Finds

In the wake of disruptions and losses due to COVID-19, research showed the majority of college students in Arkansas and beyond who left school over …

At least four confirmed tornadoes touched down in Arkansas during the winter storm this past weekend that struck three other states. (NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, via Twitter)

Relief Groups in AR after Deadly Tornadoes: 'A Devastating Thing to See'

JONESBORO, Ark. - Disaster relief responders are assessing the damage from the tornadoes that took two lives in northeast Arkansas and caused major …

It's estimated there are around one million LGBTQ veterans who served in the various branches of the U.S. military. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Program Aims to Empower LGBTQ Veterans to Seek Healthcare

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A ten-week education program that focuses on sexual orientation and gender identity aims to reduce health disparities among …

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges for individuals seeking help for substance abuse. (Adobe Stock)

AR Gets $4 Million to Help Residents Seeking Substance-Abuse Treatment

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The federal Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded Arkansas $4 million in grants to help combat the opioid …

The antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine is being touted as a possible treatment for COVID-19, but evidence supporting its use in patients remains murky. (Adobe Stock)

Some Taking Chloroquine Have Serious Side Effects, Including Psychosis

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Some experts warn chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, recently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration to treat COVID-19…

According to the state Board of Nursing, more than 40,000 registered nurses are working in Arkansas. (Adobe Stock)

Older, Sicker Populations Mean AR Will Need More Nurses

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- An aging Baby Boomer population is leaving many nurses in the state saddled with overwhelming caseloads. Arkansas has around 12 …

Many people in Arkansas jails and prisons have mental-health issues, and state officials have created a program to divert more of them to treatment instead of incarceration. (Getty Images)

Ark. OKs Program to Divert People with Mental Illnesses from Jail

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As many as 5,000 people in Arkansas jails and prisons may have mental-health issues, studies show, and state officials are taking …

By this fall, a new suicide prevention hotline will be based in Arkansas so callers can be referred to local resources. (flairimages/iStockphoto)

As Suicide Rates Rise, Arkansas to Open Prevention Hotline

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – After a jump in the number of suicides in recent years, state lawmakers have approved a bill (HB 1775) to create and fund …

Athletes are much less likely to speak up when they are having suicidal thoughts. (Kevin Patrick Allen)

Young Athletes Not as Likely to Ask for Help

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Student-athletes experience mental-health issues at about the same rate as their peers: 30 percent. About a third of the …

Self imposed stigma is a big reason people put off getting help for mental health issues, including depression. (Virginia Carter)

Self Imposed Roadblocks Keep People from Mental Health Treatment

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – For people struggling with mental health issues, stigma is a major barrier to seeking help, according to a new report…

The annual cost to society of anxiety disorders, including PTSD, is estimated to be significantly more than $42 billion. (defense.gov)

Millions Living with PTSD

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Almost 25 million people in the United States are living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, according to the support group …

The idea behind Screen-Free Week is to get kids to play without using electronic devices. (Christine Fletcher)

Put Down the Electronics, It's Screen-Free Week

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - With all the smartphones, tablets, computers and video games around, it's easy to forget there is life beyond a screen. It's …

About 61,000 children in Arkansas have or have had a parent behind bars, and a new report highlights the impact that is having on their well being. (Montian Noowong)

Parent Incarcerated: Children Feel the Pain

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - About 61,000 Arkansas children currently have or have had a parent in jail or prison. A new report by the Annie E. Casey …

Researchers say there's health benefits to getting outdoors, both mentally and physically. (Mike Baca)

Want to be Healthier? Get Outdoors!

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As the weather warms up, birds chirp and flowers bloom, don't forget to take some time to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer…

The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign has been adopted by some Arkansas high school students who hope their peers will learn to be more sensitive about people with intellectual disabilities. (Ron Brown)

Arkansas Students Try to Eliminate the "R Word"

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - There are words in the English language that people have managed to get rid of over time, or replace with better alternatives…

One third of American's don't get at least seven hours of sleep each night, and the CDC says that's an unhealthy habit. (Kiyana Carter)

Study: We're Not Getting Enough Sleep

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - As a nation we are not getting enough sleep. That's the conclusion of a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and …

Over 500,000 Arkansans serve as unpaid caregivers for family or friends. A new report says they often ignore their own health issues. (Virginia Carter)

Report: Unpaid Caregiving Takes Its Toll

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - More than 500,000 Arkansans are unpaid caregivers for friends or family members, and a new study says they are about twice as …

Arkansas' uninsured rate for Hispanic children is comparable to the national average, but double the rate for children overall in the state. (Octavio Lopez/morguefile)

Gap in Health Coverage for Arkansas Hispanic Children

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansas could be doing a better job of reaching out to Latino families to get health insurance for their kids. That's one …

Arkansas has the highest rate of senior hunger in the country, according to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. (Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance)

Senior Hunger in Arkansas Worst in U.S.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - More than 240,000 Arkansans over age 60 are considered food insecure. That means 40 percent of the state's senior population …

One of the biggest challenges for rural medical facilities is recruiting doctors who want the small-town life. Credit: skeeze/pixabay.com

National Rural Health Day Puts Focus on Small-town Care

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Today is National Rural Health Day and in Arkansas, "rural" would describe many of the medical practices across the state…

From cafeteria workers to bus drivers, it takes a lot of people to make a successful school experience for Arkansas kids. Credit: AnitaPepper/morguefile.com

Celebrating the "Village" that Teaches Arkansas Kids

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - This is American Education Week, to honor all the people it takes to provide a quality education to students. Today is …

Heroin use and abuse in the U.S. is rising among most age groups and income levels, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The information verifies concerns voiced by Arkansas law enforcement earlier this year. Credit: CDC

CDC Verifies AR Law Enforcement Concerns about Heroin

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Heroin use and abuse in the U.S. is rising among most age groups and income levels, according to a new report from the Centers …

A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that when Arkansas children cannot be with their families, they all too often end up in group homes or institutions. Credit: iStock.

Report Documents Foster Family Shortage in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Children thrive when they are in families, but too many times when they're in foster systems, they end up in non-family settings…

PHOTO: New numbers indicate one in 68 children tested has autism, a 29 percent increase since 2008. Photo credit: J. Durham.

CDC: Numbers of Kids with Autism Surge in Latest Study

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The numbers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders have surged, according to the latest figures from the …

PHOTO: Last-chance pets are finding forever homes with our nation's heroes, with the help of some creative match-making. Photo courtesy PetsForPatriots.org

Last-Chance Pets Find Patriot Companions

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Last chance pets are finding forever homes with the nation's heroes with the help of some matchmaking. Beth Zimmerman…

GRAPHIC: A new study says movies rated 'PG-13' and 'R' share much of the same risky behavior content.

Study Raises Questions about Movie Ratings

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - You may give the OK for your kid to see a PG-13 movie, thinking the content is age-appropriate, but a new study says that when it …

Arkansas AARP says its smart-driver classes can give folks the information they need to feel safe and confident on the road. PHOTO from AARP.

AR AARP Helping Folks Be ‘Smart Drivers’

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A class from AARP is helping Arkansans be smart about driving, and about when not to drive. According to Steve Gregory…

Arkansas is seeing a huge response to the Private Option, something other states are seeing when they offer healthcare coverage to the working poor in other ways.

Private Option a Hit in Arkansas, Part of National Pattern

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The strong demand Arkansas is seeing for the Private Option health insurance jibes with the experience in other states that are …

This week the Children�s Advocacy Center of Benton County will host an event with Erin Merryn - the abuse victim behind the national push for education on the subject. Child advocates say that kind of education is the best way to prevent what happened to Merryn from happening to others.

Leaving Child Abuse Fewer Places To Hide

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A new law, and a new education effort started by it, should leave fewer places for child sexual abuse to be hidden in Arkansas…

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AR: Mental Health