Little Rock, Arkansas – A major new round of rural healthcare funding is now officially open in Arkansas, marking the beginning of what state leaders describe as one of the most ambitious health transformation efforts in recent years.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that applications are now being accepted for $209 million in funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The program is designed to strengthen healthcare access in rural communities across the state, where hospitals, clinics, and emergency services often operate with limited resources and long-standing staffing challenges.
The funding initiative was created under President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” and Arkansas officials say it represents a major opportunity to reshape how care is delivered outside of major cities.
At the center of the first funding phase is a new initiative called THRIVE, short for Telehealth, Health Monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion. THRIVE will focus on modernizing rural healthcare delivery by expanding telehealth services, improving emergency response systems, and introducing remote patient monitoring tools that allow providers to track health conditions without requiring constant in-person visits.
A total of $55.6 million has been set aside for THRIVE projects alone, making it the first major investment round under the broader program. Additional funding phases are expected to roll out over the next 90 days, with the full $209 million allocated to Arkansas for 2026 projected to be awarded by this fall.
State officials also believe the program will grow significantly over time. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) estimates that the state could receive more than $1 billion in total RHTP funding over the next five years, depending on performance and implementation.
Governor Sanders said the program is intended to address long-standing gaps in access to care, particularly in rural parts of the state where hospitals often struggle to recruit staff and maintain services.
“Last year, with the passing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, President Trump and his administration delivered a nationwide mandate to Make America Healthy Again, and thanks to the nearly $210 million awarded to Arkansas so far, we will be able to help people where they need it most,” said Governor Sanders. “Rural communities make up a significant portion of the Natural State, and these funds will help ensure that all who call them home have access to critical medical assistance they need and deserve.”
Officials say the program is not limited to a single approach but instead includes four major strategic priorities designed to address different parts of the healthcare system at once.
The first priority, THRIVE, focuses on technology-driven care improvements, especially telehealth expansion and remote monitoring systems. The goal is to reduce travel barriers for patients and improve response times in medical emergencies.
The second priority, Promoting Access Coordination and Transformation (PACT), is designed to integrate multiple healthcare services into rural communities. That includes specialty care, preventive screenings, trauma-ready services, and telehealth support. It also aims to build stronger regional networks between providers to improve efficiency and data sharing.
The third priority, Recruitment Innovation Skills and Education for Arkansas (RISE AR), focuses on workforce development. It includes expanding physician residency programs, increasing clinical training opportunities, and offering incentives to attract and retain healthcare workers in rural areas. It also includes training programs for hospital boards and leadership teams to prepare them for system-wide changes in rural healthcare delivery.
The fourth initiative, Healthy Eating, Active Recreation, and Transformation (HEART), focuses on preventive health. It is designed to improve nutrition access, encourage physical activity, and support chronic disease management through community-based programs.
Arkansas Secretary of Finance and Administration Jim Hudson said the combined effect of these initiatives could significantly reshape healthcare in rural parts of the state.
“This program, in combination with the Governor’s ongoing health initiatives, has the capacity to create generational change throughout rural Arkansas,” said Arkansas Secretary of Finance and Administration Jim Hudson. “For example, we will see increased access to care through more mobile units and new, improved technology to reach patients where they are. I look forward to working closely with Governor Sanders and stakeholders, with a common goal to improve the lives of our fellow Arkansans.”
The state says the RHTP framework was developed through extensive outreach efforts involving healthcare professionals and community organizations. Over the past 60 days, DFA held town hall meetings across Arkansas to gather feedback and explain the application process.
Officials say input was collected from physicians, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, as well as universities and nonprofit organizations. That feedback helped shape the four core priorities now guiding the funding program.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations, reflecting the program’s broad scope. These include rural hospitals, health systems with rural operations, clinics, federally qualified health centers, EMS providers, pharmacists, universities, nonprofits, community partners, and faith-based organizations.
To support applicants, DFA has launched a dedicated website at www.ArkansasRHTP.com, where organizations can access funding announcements, application details, and program updates. Questions can also be submitted via email to [email protected]. Officials say technical assistance will be provided to help applicants navigate the process.
State leaders also highlighted that the Rural Health Transformation Program builds on a series of health-related initiatives launched over the past several years.
These include the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, which directed $45 million toward maternal health improvements. The state also passed SB59 in 2025, requiring all public schools to provide one free breakfast per school day to students, regardless of federal eligibility for free meal programs.
In addition, Arkansas launched a farm-to-school pilot program through the Governor’s faith-based initiatives office, aimed at providing students with fresh produce in schools. State officials also implemented a policy banning taxpayer-funded soft drinks and candy from the state’s food stamp program as part of a broader nutrition strategy.
Together, these efforts reflect what state leaders describe as a long-term plan to improve health outcomes across Arkansas, with a particular focus on rural communities that continue to face the greatest challenges in accessing care.
