Arkansas

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.

This announcement marks one year since the launch of the Rural Health Transformation Fund and signals an ongoing conversation about the program’s impact and next steps. Maya Sandalow, associate director, is featured in the discussion. No additional program specifics or funding details are included.

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 has awarded an initial $55.7 million in Rural Health Transformation funds. Mercy Fort Smith hospital received over $19 million for rural health initiatives, highlighting specific investment in infrastructure and services.

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.

This document is a grant application narrative template soliciting eligible organizations to apply for up to $3,000,000 in funding. It requires applicants to detail their organizational structure, experience providing behavioral health and transition services, populations served, and outcomes achieved. Emphasis is placed on serving children and young adults with behavioral health needs in rural Medicaid settings.

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

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: 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 summarizes Arkansas RHTP funding totaling approximately $149 million, splitting between federal and match funding, with multiple sub-awards to hospitals, rural health organizations, and community groups. It provides a snapshot of resource distribution among diverse Arkansas rural health entities.

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.