The program focuses on practical solutions to address challenges in rural healthcare access, provider support, and health outcomes. Key initiatives include HEART (Healthy Eating, Active Recreation, & Transformation), RISE (Recruitment, Innovation, Skills, and Education for Arkansas Healthcare), PACT (Promoting Access, Coordination, and Transformation), and THRIVE (Telehealth, Health-monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion). The initiative rollout timeline began in May with ongoing application windows for various programs.
On May 4, 2026, Arkansas officially opened the application process for $209 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funds. The state is actively soliciting proposals from eligible rural health entities, signaling that procurement opportunities have been launched. This marks the transition from planning to implementation as provider and subrecipient applications are underway. State opportunities: 1 active (1 upcoming), $28.1M listed funding. Key opportunities: LIFELINE Emergency Response Modernization. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, prevention priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Arkansas’s RHTP strategy centers on long-term system redesign—moving beyond short-term stabilization by investing in prevention, workforce expansion, improved care access, and technology-enabled transformation. The state’s coordinated initiatives are structured to build resilient rural health networks, modernize health delivery, and align with measurable population health and economic goals over a 5-year timeline.
Model
A multi-initiative, statewide approach integrating population health, care coordination, workforce development, telehealth expansion, and system modernization, implemented through competitive funding and phased NOFOs from 2026 onward.
Key Initiatives
1HEART: Launch and expand community health programs for nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention targeting children, families, and high-need rural populations.
2PACT: Build and support clinically integrated care networks, expand care coordination and access (including specialty, maternal, and behavioral health), and invest in rural hospital and EMS stability.
3RISE AR: Recruit, train, and retain rural healthcare workforce through expanded residencies, clinical training, scope-of-practice elevation, and development of local leadership academies.
4THRIVE: Modernize technology, telehealth, digital health infrastructure, and emergency response capacity, including remote patient monitoring and health IT interoperability.
5Competitive application and NOFO process for allocating $209 million in FY26 to subrecipients (NOFOs for THRIVE initially, others by June 2026).
6Require care delivery redesign with measurable prevention, access, sustainability, and workforce participation outcomes.
Timeline: Year 1 NOFOs and applications: April–June 2026; FY26 dollars obligated by October 30, 2026, and spent by September 30, 2027. Multi-year program runs through FY2030.
Health Priority
Rural health disparities and facility sustainability: Focus on rural residents in high-need counties with high hospital vulnerability, poverty, and chronic disease rates. (Regions: Delta, Ozarks, Southwest Arkansas)
May 30, 2026
Program Update
The AHA urges CMS to prioritize and streamline state applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program, emphasizing the importance of hospital payments, workforce investments, infrastructure modernization, and telehealth expansion. The letter advocates for flexible application deadlines, transparency in fund allocation, and the removal of pre-funding requirements to help financially vulnerable hospitals. The AHA stresses the need for targeted, timely support to sustain access to care in rural communities. Key contacts: Joanna Hiatt Kim jkim@aha.org
Event schedule:
- AHA Letter to CMS submission - 08/11/2025
May 23, 2026
Program Update
The document is a high-level navigation or information page from the American Hospital Association website referencing rural health topics and resources. It contains no specific information on RHTP awards, programs, or funding details.
May 22, 2026
Reference
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2025-2026
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AR - 2025 - Resources | Arkansas RHTP
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AR - 2026 - Accessibility Statement | Arkansas RHTP
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AR - 2026 - Newsroom - Arkansas Governor - Sarah Huckabee Sanders
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AR - 2026 - Recruitment, Innovation, Skills, & Education for Arkansas Healthcare | Arkansas RHTP
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AR - 2026 - Accessibility Statement | Arkansas RHTP
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PrimaryPDF2026Budget: $55.6M
AR - 2026 - View the NOFO document here.
Guidance
Announcement Documents (2)
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AnnouncementHTMLEvent2025
The AHA urges CMS to prioritize and streamline state applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program, emphasizing the importance of hospital payments, workforce investments, infrastructure modernization, and telehealth expansion. The letter advocates for flexible application deadlines, transparency in fund allocation, and the removal of pre-funding requirements to help financially vulnerable hospitals. The AHA stresses the need for targeted, timely support to sustain access to care in rural communities. Key contacts: Joanna Hiatt Kim jkim@aha.org
Event schedule:
- AHA Letter to CMS submission - 08/11/2025
Budget: $50.0BFINANCE · WORKFORCE · HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · OTHER
Contacts
Joanna Hiatt Kim - <jkim@aha.org> - AHA Vice President of Payment Policy - National (AHA/CMS advocacy)
Core Initiatives
Stabilize, modernize, and sustain rural hospitals.
Prioritize direct payments to hospitals through the RHTP.
Support rural workforce recruitment and retention.
Show all initiatives (5)
Stabilize, modernize, and sustain rural hospitals.
Prioritize direct payments to hospitals through the RHTP.
Support rural workforce recruitment and retention.
Invest in hospital infrastructure and telehealth capabilities.
Ensure a simple, transparent state application and award process.
The document summarizes, state-by-state, the strategic approaches and proposed funding allocations under the FY26 Rural Health Transformation Program. It covers all 50 states' applications, highlighting priorities and innovations in maternal health, chronic disease, digital infrastructure, workforce, and value-based care participation. No specific recipient awards or contracts are named.
Core Initiatives
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand access to care
Improve rural health outcomes
Show all initiatives (49)
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Expand access to care
Improve rural health outcomes
Support rural provider stabilization
Advance workforce capacity
Strengthen infrastructure, technology, and value-based care
Empower rural Mainers to achieve their own healthy living goals through expanded population health solutions
Expand the supply of care by growing a rural workforce and spreading technologies that connect every community to advanced care
Ensure care will be available and affordable long into Maine’s future by pairing affordability measures with strategies that advance quality, efficiency, and fiscal durability
Transform the rural health workforce through new apprenticeships, improved IT, and expansion of Area Health Education Centers and pipeline programs in Maryland
Promote sustainable access and innovative care through new and expanded capacity for primary care, specialty practices, school-based health centers, and behavioral health expansion
Expand access to essential healthcare services for rural residents in Massachusetts
Reduce hypertension and diabetes ED visits in Massachusetts
Strengthen the foundation of rural health systems through integrated, community-driven solutions that expand access to care, modernize health information exchange, build workforce capacity, and address key community supports in Michigan
Improve cardiometabolic health outcomes and sustain healthcare workforce in Minnesota
Conduct a statewide assessment and implement Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems (CRIS) in Mississippi
This document guides Arkansas applicants through the Rural Healthcare Transformation – THRIVE application process. It explains eligible project types, outlines application steps, provides templates, and describes required documentation. THRIVE supports technology-driven rural health transformation across EMS, telehealth, digital infrastructure, and remote monitoring.
Arkansas’s THRIVE initiative under the RHTP will support rural health transformation through telehealth expansion, EMS modernization, and remote patient monitoring. Up to $55.65M is allocated across four sub-initiatives in the first program year. Eligible applicants include rural hospitals, EMS providers, clinics, and nonprofit or public entities serving rural Arkansas. Key contacts: Info@arkansasrhtp.com
Event schedule:
- Application Open Date - 05/11/2026
- Application Close Date - 06/12/2026
- Funds Must Be Obligated By - 10/30/2026
- Performance Period Ends - 09/30/2027
THRIVE is a funding program for telehealth expansion targeting rural Arkansas providers and entities. It aims to enhance digital infrastructure and telehealth utilization through technology investments and provider training.
The Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program seeks to enhance rural health outcomes through expanded services, partnerships, and infrastructure improvements. Application guidance and FAQs for the THRIVE initiative are provided. Potential applicants are encouraged to collaborate and consult program managers for further details. Key contacts: info@arkansasrhtp.com
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
Make Rural America Healthy Again through evidence-based interventions for disease prevention, chronic disease management, behavioral health, and prenatal care.
Foster innovative technologies for efficient care delivery, data sharing, and remote care.
Workforce Development: Attract and retain high skilled providers; enable rural providers to practice at top of license.
Show all initiatives (9)
Make Rural America Healthy Again through evidence-based interventions for disease prevention, chronic disease management, behavioral health, and prenatal care.
Foster innovative technologies for efficient care delivery, data sharing, and remote care.
Workforce Development: Attract and retain high skilled providers; enable rural providers to practice at top of license.
Strengthen rural providers through networks, shared resources, coordinated operations.
Help rural providers remain long-term access points for care.
Arkansas's RHTP budget narrative organizes $208M across four major initiatives addressing nutrition, care access, workforce, and telehealth/infrastructure. BDO GS is the third-party administrator for contracting and oversight; all subawards will be competitively issued under CMS guidance. The strategy emphasizes transparent processes, measurable outcomes, and programmatic alignment with federal rural health priorities. Key contacts: Brad Nye
Event schedule:
- BDO GS Hiring Deadline - 03/21/2026
The document is a high-level navigation or information page from the American Hospital Association website referencing rural health topics and resources. It contains no specific information on RHTP awards, programs, or funding details.
Arkansas’s RHTP plan aims to redesign, not just stabilize, rural healthcare statewide. Major initiatives address prevention, hospital access, workforce, leadership development, and technology expansion through multi-year, system-wide transformation. NOFOs launch in 2026, with a focus on early collaboration and sustainability. Key contacts: info@arkansasrhtp.com
Event schedule:
- Application portal online - 04/01/2026 - Online
- Initial NOFO released: THRIVE initiative - 04/01/2026 - Online
- Thrive applications reviewed - 05/01/2026
- NOFOs finalized (PACT, RISE, HEART) - 05/31/2026
- RHTP dollars begin to flow - 06/01/2026
- NOFOs released for other initiatives - 06/01/2026
- All dollars must be obligated - 10/30/2026
- All Year 1 budget dollars must be spent - 09/30/2027
This document provides the accessibility statement for the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program, detailing measures taken to ensure web accessibility, known limitations, and contact information for feedback. Key contacts: accessibility@bdogov.com
Event schedule:
- Statement creation date - 04/23/2026
Arkansas has formally applied for Rural Health Transformation Program funding, aiming to strengthen delivery of rural healthcare through four strategic initiatives focused on prevention, workforce, technology, and systems integration. Feedback from stakeholders across the state, including healthcare providers and community organizations, shaped the application. The plan emphasizes maternal health, food security, and chronic disease management as key priorities.
Event schedule:
- Application Submission - 10/31/2025 - Little Rock, Arkansas
- Expected CMS Award Decision - 12/31/2025
- Expected First Funding Disbursement - early 2026
Build a statewide network of rural healthcare hubs to expand access to care, improve healthcare outcomes, strengthen coordinating networks and local provider sustainability in Missouri
Strengthen healthcare workforce, secure financial solvency for rural providers, embed prevention and community health at the center of care, and expand technology use in Montana
Make Rural America Healthy Again in Nebraska through food-as-medicine programs, workforce development, technology initiatives, and right-sizing the healthcare system
Make Rural Nevada Healthy Again by implementing value-based care models that prevent and manage chronic disease through technology and workforce programs
Improve quality of life in New Hampshire through prevention-oriented strategies in behavioral health, perinatal care, chronic disease, oral health, and school-based wellness
Improve healthcare availability in rural New Jersey by investing in primary and specialty providers, stabilizing rural hospitals, fostering flexible healthcare systems with telehealth and mobile care
Transform healthcare access and quality in New Mexico through specialty care expansion, chronic disease management, and workforce recruitment and retention
Improve rural health outcomes in New York focusing on primary care initiatives, partnership networks, and workforce development
Catalyze innovative care models, transform rural care experience, and create sustainable delivery system via provider coordination in North Carolina
Rebuild and retain rural health workforce in North Dakota through residencies, innovative technologies, and wellness initiatives
Improve access to care through clinically integrated networks (CINs), community-based clinics in K-12 schools and college campuses to provide comprehensive improvements, and home visits.
Improve health outcomes through expansions of behavioral health services.
Improve chronic disease health outcomes such as reduced A1C and increased levels of hypertension management.
Expand technology to build remote monitoring and telehealth, expand electronic medical record (EMR) usage for pharmacists, and pilot innovative screening technologies for chronic disease management.
Build a future where every community – no matter how small or remote – has access to high-quality, locally grounded care that is connected through technology, supported by regional collaboration, and sustained by a strong rural workforce.
Reduce preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits year over year.
Build a resilient, digitally connected, community-anchored provider network to deliver flexible care across rural regions.
Design data-driven solutions tailored to the unique needs of rural residents.
Advance whole-person health through connected care technologies and coordinated pathways for behavioral health, chronic disease, maternal health, and social needs.
Promote sustainable access by focusing on integration and comprehensive delivery of services leveraging technology and supporting the workforce.
Promote sustainable access by expanding outpatient behavioral health services, reduce regulatory hurdles, and strengthen the workforce through rural clinical placements.
Increase healthcare access and quality for improved chronic disease management and health outcomes for rural communities.
Prioritize direct investment in provider capacity over creating new programs.
Improve healthcare workforce participation and system sustainability through technology, workforce development, and health mobility platform investments.
Focus on investments to support patients with the highest disease burden and rural workforce development.
Leverage state-wide technology initiatives, support rural clinical workforce, establish CINs, and empower patients for disease prevention and healthy living.
Promote wellness, nutrition initiatives, rural clinical workforce support, leveraging technology, and improving rural care access.
Improve primary care and long-term support by leveraging technology, delivery system networks, innovative workflows, and workforce development initiatives.
Focus on patient empowerment and disease prevention, expanding access to care, technology, and workforce development.
Improve rural facility financial health and access by expanding health networks, investing in technology infrastructure, and developing rural health workforce.
Address workforce participation barriers, establish health technology partnerships, and improve healthcare access and sustainability.
Improve care coordination, mental health support, leverage technology, and workforce development targeting rural agriculture communities.
Improve access to care by focusing on the rural clinical workforce, leveraging technology, and right-sizing the delivery system.
Budget: $55.6MEMS_DEVELOPMENT · HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
Contacts
<Info@arkansasrhtp.com> - Arkansas
Core Initiatives
Expand access to high quality telehealth and virtual specialty care
Reduce EMS and trauma response times
Improve chronic disease and behavioral health outcomes
Show all initiatives (5)
Expand access to high quality telehealth and virtual specialty care
Reduce EMS and trauma response times
Improve chronic disease and behavioral health outcomes
Strengthen interoperability and cybersecurity
Support data driven care coordination
Stronger digital infrastructure
Show all initiatives (4)
Expanded access to care
Improved continuity
Stronger digital infrastructure
Increased telehealth utilization
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the opening of applications for $209 million in funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) in Arkansas. This represents an initial application process for state transformation funds aimed at rural health improvements.
Event schedule:
- Inaugurated on , 2023, she is the first woman to serve as governor of the state and currently is the youngest governor in the country. - January 10 - Prior to her historic victory, Sarah served as White House Press Secretary for President Donald J. Trump from 2017 to 2019. A trusted confidant of the President, she advised him on everything from press and communications strategy to personnel and policy. For two and a half years, Sarah worked closely with the president, battling with the media, working with lawmakers and CEOs, and accompanying the president on every foreign trip, including dozens of meetings with foreign leaders. Sarah was only the third woman – and the very first mom – to ever hold the job of White House Press Secretary.
- , 2026 - May 6 - Sanders, Arkansas Department of Health Launch Statewide Campaign to Connect Women to Pregnancy Care
- , 2026 - May 4 - Sanders Announces Applications are Open for $209 Million in Rural Health Transformation Funds
Strengthen rural healthcare access and sustainability
Promote innovation across rural health delivery
Advance workforce development and retention
Show all initiatives (9)
Strengthen rural healthcare access and sustainability
Promote innovation across rural health delivery
Advance workforce development and retention
Increase rural technological connectivity
Ensure infrastructure resilience
Supports development and distribution of training curricula to build leadership capacity and support workforce development across participating organizations.
Supports operation of a leadership academy to provide training, mentorship, and development opportunities for healthcare leaders.
Supports implementation of technology platforms to deliver training content, facilitate collaboration, and support program administration.
Supports ArkGME operations to establish and implement a statewide graduate medical education (GME) expansion initiative, including creation of the Arkansas GME Technical Assistance Center (ArkGME-TAC) to coordinate program development, accreditation support, and training infrastructure.
Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) addresses dire rural health access, hospital sustainability, and chronic disease, aiming to transform systems over five years with $150 million in coordinated state and federal funding. Major goals include improving maternal, chronic, and behavioral health, deploying new telehealth and information technology, building integrated care networks, and expanding the rural health workforce. Selected initiatives include large-scale prevention efforts (nutrition, activity, chronic disease), transportation and EMS upgrades, workforce education, and facility improvement strategies.