A Message Regarding COVID-19 from the CEO of Arkansas Support Network
Throughout our communities, we are all significantly impacted by the very real threat of coronavirus. Many organizations, services, and businesses have announced closures and cancelations in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. At Arkansas Support Network, the complexity of the work we do and the nature of the needs of the individuals we support make closure and cancelation decisions more complicated. A number of the individuals we support fall into high-risk categories, and many individuals require direct support in their homes and communities to maintain their health and safety. Suspending operations is not an option for us. Instead, we’re working diligently with our leadership team, human resources department, nursing staff, management teams, direct support professionals, individuals receiving services, and agency stakeholders to ensure we are implementing all possible safety precautions while providing each individual receiving services at ASN with the appropriate supports to meet their needs during this uncertain, and often confusing, time.
ASN will not cease operations of any direct service. However, some services will be changed or modified based on individual needs, stakeholder decisions, or partner organizations’ operations. Communication about any such changes will be made directly to individuals affected by such changes. Our directors, managers, HR personnel, nurses, and CEO are all available to answer any specific questions individuals receiving services, family members, employees, or other stakeholders may have about services, needs, safety precautions, or other concerns. If you have questions, contact the ASN members of your support team directly or contact our CEO, Syard Evans, at sevans@supports.org or 479-927-4100.
We also ask that as you engage in the work of protecting yourself and your loved ones from the spread of coronavirus, please consider that for many individuals we support and many more individuals across the country, stockpiling resources is not possible and “social distancing” practices perpetuate existing experiences of isolation, loneliness, and mental health distress. Be safe, use precaution, and remember that, while all of us are affected by coronavirus concerns, there are members of our community who will experience more significant consequences than others. If you would like to learn about ways you can help your neighbors at ASN, contact Nakisha Snell at nsnell@supports.org or 479-927-4100.
Syard Evans, Ph.D.,
Chief Executive Officer