J.B. Hunt gives $5 million to Arkansas Children’s for Northwest Arkansas expansion

Lowell-based carrier J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. announced Thursday (July 8) a $5 million gift to support programs and expansion at Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale. It will be offered $1 million annually for five years.

Also, it marks the final culminating gift to the Arkansas Children’s $250 million statewide Campaign for a Healthier Tomorrow. The campaign entered the public phase in September 2019.

Asked about specific expansion plans the J.B. Hunt gift would support, Shannon Porter, senior media relations specialist for Arkansas Children’s Foundation, said it “supports current programs and future expansion at Arkansas Children’s Northwest. Over the next five years, ACNW will expand from a community hospital to an anchor pediatric institution. ACNW will strengthen its clinical care hub and expand its outreach arm.

“Specific initiatives are aimed at maximizing capacity, increasing acuity level of care, formalizing research and education partnerships, expanding the physical plant and recruiting and retaining a workforce that mirrors and meets the diverse needs of Northwest Arkansas,” Porter added.

“J.B. Hunt is proud to extend our support for Arkansas Children’s as it continues advancing pediatric healthcare in this region,” said John Roberts, president and CEO of J.B. Hunt. “The hope that these extremely talented, driven professionals bring to our community is very special, and helping Arkansas Children’s expand its services and capabilities will benefit the diverse needs of the Northwest Arkansas community.”

In 2016, J.B. Hunt gave $5 million to support the construction of Arkansas Children’s Northwest.

“The J.B. Hunt team has long been committed to Arkansas Children’s,” said Fred Scarborough, president of Arkansas Children’s Foundation. “There is a history of investing in community and healthcare. This new $5 million, five-year gift helps ensure Arkansas Children’s Northwest is right-sized to meet the community’s needs. Northwest Arkansas continues to grow at a rate that outpaces the rest of the state, and Arkansas Children’s Northwest is an integral part of our work to make Arkansas the safest, healthiest place to be a child.”

J.B. Hunt has supported Arkansas Children’s for nearly four decades through annual employee giving campaigns and leadership gifts to support capital projects, programs and services, including the construction of the South Wing on the Arkansas Children’s Hospital campus and the purchase of an Angel One ground ambulance, according to a news release. Nationally, Arkansas ranks No. 40 in child health and well-being.

At noon July 14, Arkansas Children’s Foundation will celebrate the completion of the Campaign for a Healthier Tomorrow. Link here for the virtual event.