Arkansas

Arkansas announced a portal for stakeholders to submit proposals for the state's Rural Health Transformation Program application. The Governor submitted a letter of intent to CMS on September 30, 2025, signaling intent to pursue funding. The announcement encourages broad stakeholder engagement ahead of the October 10 proposal submission deadline. Event schedule: - Submissions deadline - 10/10/2025 - State federal funding application deadline - 11/05/2025

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the opening of a portal for proposals under the Rural Health Transformation Program.

Mercy Fort Smith is announced to receive over $19 million under the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program. This announcement highlights a significant funding allocation to support rural health transformation in Arkansas.

Mississippi's Governor announced a total of 167 awards totaling over $104 million via the Rural Health Transformation Program aimed at strengthening rural healthcare. The announcement represents a significant investment in improving healthcare delivery in rural communities across the state.

The Trump Administration awarded $93.3 million under RHTP to support 87 rural hospitals in Georgia. This funding will enable the deployment of advanced clinical technologies, workforce training, and readiness for value-based care payment models under CMS’s AHEAD program.

Mercy Fort Smith has received over $19 million under the Rural Health Transformation Program to support rural health initiatives in Arkansas. The funding addresses challenges including Medicaid reductions and aims to enhance rural hospital services.

Arkansas submitted a letter of intent to apply for the CMS-RHT-26-001 funding opportunity. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration will serve as the designated agency for application submission. Key contacts: Jim Hudson Jim.Hudson@dfa.arkansas.gov

This application narrative requires organizations to detail their structure, leadership, Medicaid provider status, operational experience, populations served, services offered, and staffing. Special emphasis is placed on behavioral health transition services and community partnership networks.

This document outlines required attestation statements for organizations applying to a grant aimed at increasing services for Arkansas Medicaid members. Applicants must agree not to use funds for existing costs or Medicaid-reimbursable services and ensure compliance with reporting and grant requirements. Authorized signatories must provide a signed cover letter detailing their mission and grant objectives.

Applicants must provide a cover letter summarizing their mission and anticipated outcomes. The attestation section requires fiscal authority signoff and compliance with grant rules, including prohibitions on supplanting funds and lobbying expenses. Commitment to serving Arkansas Medicaid members is required.

This document outlines required content for applicants submitting a cover letter and attestation form as part of a grant application, including compliance statements and fiscal authority confirmation. It includes required assurances about use of funds and eligibility for Arkansas Medicaid Members.

Arkansas’s RHT Program addresses urgent rural health challenges including high rates of chronic disease, maternal mortality, and hospital closure risk. The plan utilizes evidence-based preventive interventions, modernizes technology infrastructure, expands telehealth and workforce, and launches community-driven initiatives such as the HEART and PACT programs. Over five years, Arkansas aims to reduce health disparities in rural regions, strengthen provider networks, and ensure sustainable access to care. Event schedule: - Version 6 document update - 03/31/2026 - Presidential Fitness Test implementation target - 12/31/2028 - Arkansas public schools - Pharmacist scope of practice legislative enactment target - 12/31/2027 - Arkansas State Legislature - HEART Initiative Stage 0 - FY26 Q1 - HEART Initiative Stage 1 - FY27 Q1 - HEART Initiative Stage 2 - FY28 Q3 - HEART Initiative Stage 3 - FY30 Q1 - HEART Initiative Stage 4 - FY31 Q1

Event schedule: - , 2026 - Jun 24 - Bipartisan group of senators urges CMS to improve Rural Health Transformation Program implementation - , 2026 - Jun 23 - AHA podcast: A Rural Solution to the Geriatric Mental Health Crisis - , 2026 - Jun 22 - AHA podcast: How a Father-daughter Team Is Strengthening Rural Maternity Care - , 2026 - Jun 17 - HRSA to award grants supporting integrated networks among rural hospitals, other providers - , 2026 - Jun 16 - HRSA seeking applicants for rural hospital financial assistance program - , 2026 - Jun 12 - House Appropriations Committee releases FY 2027 appropriations bill - , 2026 - Jun 5 - House introduces Rural Community Hospital Demonstration extension bill - , 2026 - May 22 - House bill excludes labor and delivery beds from critical access hospital 25-bed limit

This dashboard provides a detailed view of the Year 1 awards made under the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program, highlighting the top 10 recipients and allowing selection of award slices for more information.

This dashboard summarizes Year 1 awards made under the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program.

The program targets rural residents in high-need counties, particularly in the Delta, Ozarks, and southwest regions, addressing hospital vulnerability, poverty, and chronic disease. It supports all rural hospitals, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and behavioral or community health organizations operating in rural areas statewide. Key initiatives include HEART, RISE Arkansas, PACT, and THRIVE to improve preventive care, recruitment, coordination, and telehealth.

Reference: College of Education and Health Professions Researchers Receive Rural Health Transformation Funds Link: https://news.uark.edu/articles/82857/college-of-education-and-health-professions-researchers-receive-rural-health-transformation-funds

Reference: Mercy Fort Smith to Receive Over 19 Million AS Part of Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program Link: https://www.nwahomepage.com/river-valley-news/mercy-fort-smith-to-receive-over-19-million-as-part-of-arkansas-rural-health-transformation-program/

Reference: 91 Cfbac919 C9f3 4e98 A0aa 268a579dec23 Link: https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/150k-awarded-rural-health-transformation-arkansas/91-cfbac919-c9f3-4e98-a0aa-268a579dec23

This document highlights Rural Health Transformation funding received by researchers at the Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions. It provides informational content about RHTP-related funding in the state of Arkansas.

This document highlights concerns about lack of transparency in a $50 billion rural health program, emphasizing the need for transparent reporting to track funds, outcomes, and program sustainability. It calls for consistent measurement across states to enable comparison and replication of successful models.

The program aims to enhance rural health delivery and access through targeted initiatives and partnerships. It is overseen at the state level with a focus on improving outcomes at Critical Access Hospitals and other rural facilities. Arkansas is committed to implementing strategic goals to transform rural health infrastructure and services.