Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced $54.6 million in funding awards as part of the second round of Rural Health Transformation Program grants. The initiative, administered by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, is expected to invest approximately $1 billion in rural health improvements across the state over the next five years. Officials say the program will provide funding in every Arkansas county to strengthen healthcare services.
Locally, several entities will receive significant allocations aimed at supporting their rural healthcare initiatives. White River Health’s Year One Rise Initiatives, which focuses on Sharp, Independence, Stone, and Jackson counties, will receive $2.1 million for 13 projects designed to improve staff recruitment, training, retention, and career development.
The St. Bernards Development Foundation has been awarded $3.8 million for its St. Bernards Rural Care Workforce Network. This funding will benefit Lawrence, Randolph, Craighead, and Cross counties by integrating clinical simulation and leadership development strategies to bolster healthcare services.
A grant of $500,036 has been allocated to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to support physician training programs in Lawrence and Randolph counties. According to officials, this funding is targeted at preparing family physicians for rural practice.
Baxter Health’s Thrive at Home Initiative, which serves Fulton, Izard, Baxter, and Marion counties, will receive $7.7 million. This initiative will focus on expanding emergency response capabilities and implementing remote patient monitoring systems in these communities.
Additionally, $1.2 million has been awarded to UAMS for its Specialty Telehealth Access program. This funding aims to create a regional telehealth hearing care network serving Fulton, Lawrence, Sharp, and Randolph counties.
In total, over $22.2 million in overlapping regional allocations have been designated for counties including Fulton, Izard, Sharp, and Lawrence. These investments reflect the state’s commitment to addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by Arkansas' rural communities.