Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas is set to take a major step forward in modernizing its healthcare system after the Arkansas Department of Health secured $13.3 million in federal funding aimed at strengthening health data infrastructure across the state. The investment, made possible through the work of U.S. Senator John Boozman, is part of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026.
State health officials say the funding will support a broad range of transformation projects designed to improve how healthcare providers share information, deliver care remotely, and connect patients with services more efficiently. The initiative places particular emphasis on central and northwest Arkansas, regions where access to advanced healthcare technology has historically lagged behind urban centers.
At the heart of the effort is a push to bring Arkansas’s healthcare systems in line with the demands of modern medicine. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the funding reflects the growing need for reliable digital tools that can bridge distances and improve outcomes for patients statewide.
“Modern healthcare depends on modern systems, and this $13.3 million investment uses best-in class technology to help close the gap between patients and providers – no matter where they live,” said Governor Sanders. “By strengthening telehealth, provider connectivity, and health data systems, we’re supporting rural hospitals and clinics while improving healthcare delivery statewide. I’m thankful for Senator John Boozman and the Arkansas congressional delegation for securing this funding and delivering real results for our state.”
The funds will be used to acquire new clinical practice technologies, expand remote patient monitoring tools, and upgrade telehealth hardware and software. Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities will also benefit from electronic medical record improvements, which are expected to make patient information more accurate, accessible, and secure.
Senator Boozman, who championed the funding as part of several Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Arkansas, said the investment will have a lasting impact on healthcare access and efficiency. He emphasized that strengthening digital infrastructure is essential for ensuring quality care reaches every part of the state, including its most rural communities.
“This investment will help modernize and strengthen Arkansas’s healthcare infrastructure, which is key to making quality care accessible in every corner of the state,” said Boozman. “I was proud to secure this funding to bolster public health, enhance the systems our medical community relies on, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly to deliver lasting benefits for Arkansans.”
A significant portion of the funding will go toward enhancing the Arkansas State Health Alliance for Record Exchange, commonly known as SHARE. Operated by the Arkansas Department of Health, SHARE serves as the state’s official health information exchange, allowing healthcare providers to securely share patient data across systems and facilities.
By strengthening SHARE, officials aim to improve care coordination, reduce unnecessary or duplicate medical tests, and encourage stronger partnerships between hospitals, clinics, and community-based providers. Better data sharing is also expected to lower healthcare costs while improving health outcomes by giving providers a clearer, more complete picture of a patient’s medical history.
Health leaders say the benefits will extend beyond individual patient care. Improved connectivity and data access can support faster public health responses, more informed decision-making, and better tracking of health trends across Arkansas.
“Arkansas is demonstrating how smart, coordinated investments in health data can improve care delivery, strengthen public health, and better serve communities across our state,” Secretary of Health Renee Mallory said.
Rural healthcare facilities stand to gain significantly from the investment. Many smaller hospitals and clinics struggle with outdated systems and limited resources, making it harder to offer services like telehealth or participate fully in statewide data exchanges. The new funding is expected to help level the playing field, giving rural providers access to tools that were once out of reach.
State officials say the initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that geography does not determine the quality of healthcare Arkansans receive. With improved digital infrastructure, patients in remote areas will be better connected to specialists, follow-up care, and preventive services.
As the projects move forward, the Arkansas Department of Health will oversee implementation to ensure the funds are used effectively and deliver measurable improvements. Supporters say the investment represents not just a technological upgrade, but a long-term strategy to build a more connected, resilient, and patient-centered healthcare system across Arkansas.
