Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced that the state has secured $208,779,396 in first-year funding through President Donald Trump’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a key piece of the President’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” The funding, granted for Fiscal Year 2026, is part of a broader $50 billion national program that will distribute resources over five years to all 50 states, aimed at revitalizing healthcare systems in rural areas.
“Today’s announcement shows that President Trump and his administration place a priority on improving rural health and Making America Healthy Again,” said Governor Sanders. “Our state went above and beyond in the application process to secure an outsized portion of the funds available through the Rural Health Transformation Program because we know that Arkansas’ smaller communities deserve just as much support as any other region of our state. I’m excited to get to work quickly on Arkansas’ innovative approach to this program and deliver the care our people deserve.”
Strategic Vision for Arkansas’ Rural Health
Arkansas submitted its funding application on October 31 through the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), led by Governor Sanders’ administration. The proposal was crafted with input from healthcare professionals, community organizations, academic institutions, and over 300 public submissions gathered through an online portal established by the Governor’s Office. Members of the Arkansas General Assembly also contributed throughout the planning process.
The application outlines four major initiatives designed to improve health outcomes, strengthen the healthcare workforce, integrate advanced technologies, and modernize services in underserved rural areas:
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HEART – Healthy Eating, Active Recreation, and Transformation
This initiative focuses on preventive care and chronic disease management by creating a coordinated, community-based system that promotes better nutrition, physical activity, and healthier lifestyles. -
PACT – Promoting Access Coordination and Transformation
PACT is aimed at bringing specialty services, preventative screenings, telehealth tools, and trauma care into rural settings. The initiative will also build regional networks that allow for efficient data sharing and care coordination. -
RISE AR – Recruitment Innovation Skills and Education for Arkansas
Through RISE AR, Arkansas will increase physician residencies and clinical training opportunities while also offering incentives to attract and retain healthcare providers in rural areas. It will also train leadership teams at rural hospitals and clinics to adapt to the future of healthcare delivery. -
THRIVE – Telehealth Health Monitoring and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion
This technology-driven effort will use AI to coordinate patient records and support telehealth systems. It will also focus on remote monitoring for chronic illnesses and enhance emergency transport services across the state.
Funding details for each individual initiative will be announced later, but the total award puts Arkansas at the forefront of rural health transformation efforts nationwide.
Building on Momentum for a Healthier Arkansas
Governor Sanders’ administration has already launched several key efforts to improve public health outcomes across the state. Earlier this year, she signed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, committing $45 million to support maternal health services. Her food security strategy has also gained momentum, with legislation requiring every public school to serve free breakfast daily, regardless of income eligibility.
Further tackling food insecurity and nutrition, the Governor signed SB59 and launched a pilot farm-to-school program through her faith-based initiatives office. The pilot brings locally grown produce into school cafeterias, giving students healthier options while supporting Arkansas farmers.
Additionally, in an effort to improve public spending and student well-being, the Governor pushed for the elimination of taxpayer-funded purchases of soft drinks and candy through the food stamp program. She has also banned cell phone use during classroom hours in public schools.
Governor Sanders and her husband Bryan have prioritized outdoor activity and healthy lifestyles through the Natural State Initiative, which encourages Arkansas families to spend more time outdoors and reduce screen use among children.
Arkansas’ significant share of the first-year RHTP funding reflects the state’s aggressive and strategic approach to transforming its rural healthcare system. The projects funded under HEART, PACT, RISE AR, and THRIVE are expected to touch nearly every corner of the state, bringing better care and opportunities for health to communities that have long struggled with access and resources.
More announcements regarding implementation timelines and specific funding allocations for each initiative are expected in the coming months. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration will continue to work closely with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to manage the award and ensure successful execution.
Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, saying, “This is only the beginning. We are committed to ensuring that every dollar we receive makes a difference in the lives of Arkansans. Together, we are building a healthier future for every rural community in our state.”
