Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that the initial application process is underway for $209 million in funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a major effort aimed at improving healthcare access across rural Arkansas.
The program was established under President Donald Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill and is designed to modernize healthcare delivery in underserved communities. State officials said the first round of funding will focus on the Telehealth, Health-Monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion initiative, also known as THRIVE.
A total of $55.6 million will be distributed through THRIVE, which aims to expand telehealth access, strengthen emergency medical response systems, and introduce remote patient monitoring technologies.
Additional funding rounds are expected to be announced over the next 90 days, with the full $209 million allocated to Arkansas for 2026 anticipated to be awarded by the fall.
State leaders estimate Arkansas could receive more than $1 billion in total funding through the program over the next five years.
Governor Sanders said the funding will help address healthcare gaps in rural communities across the state.
She noted that rural areas make up a significant portion of Arkansas and said the investment will help ensure residents have access to critical medical services. Officials said the program aligns with broader efforts to improve public health and expand care to underserved populations.
Arkansas Secretary of Finance and Administration Jim Hudson said the initiative has the potential to create long-term improvements in rural healthcare. He pointed to increased access through mobile medical units and expanded use of technology to reach patients in remote areas.
The state worked with healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations to develop four key priorities for the program. In addition to THRIVE, those priorities include Promoting Access Coordination and Transformation, Recruitment Innovation Skills and Education for Arkansas, and Healthy Eating, Active Recreation, and Transformation.
These initiatives aim to improve coordination of care, strengthen the rural healthcare workforce, and promote preventative health measures. Officials said the programs will support efforts such as expanding specialty care, increasing training opportunities for healthcare professionals, and addressing chronic health conditions through community-based approaches.
Eligible applicants for the funding include rural hospitals, health systems, clinics, federally qualified health centers, emergency medical service providers, universities, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.
State officials said additional details, including application requirements, are available online, and technical assistance will be offered to help applicants navigate the process.
The announcement builds on several recent health-focused initiatives in Arkansas, including investments in maternal health, expanded access to school meals, and programs aimed at improving nutrition and reducing food insecurity.
Officials said the Rural Health Transformation Program represents a significant step toward improving healthcare access and outcomes for residents across the state, particularly in rural communities where services are often limited.