Applications open for rural health ideas

Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Monday (May 4) the initial application process is underway for $209 million in funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

The initial funding awards will be centered on the Telehealth, Health‑Monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion (THRIVE) initiative. THRIVE will modernize rural healthcare delivery by expanding telehealth access, strengthening emergency medical response systems, and deploying remote patient monitoring technologies. A total of $55.6 million will be awarded for THRIVE initiatives.

Additional funding rounds will be announced over the next 90 days, with the full $209 million allocated to Arkansas for 2026 expected to be awarded by this fall.

The funding came from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress earlier this year after cuts were made to the federal Medicaid program.

“Last year, with the passing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, President (Donald) Trump and his administration delivered a nationwide mandate to Make America Healthy Again, and thanks to the nearly $210 million awarded to Arkansas so far, we will be able to help people where they need it most,” Sanders said. “Rural communities make up a significant portion of the Natural State, and these funds will help ensure that all who call them home have access to critical medical assistance they need and deserve.”

Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) anticipate the state will receive more than $1 billion in overall RHTP funding over the course of the next five years.

“This program, in combination with the governor’s ongoing health initiatives, has the capacity to create generational change throughout rural Arkansas,” said Jim Hudson, Arkansas secretary of finance and administration. “For example, we will see increased access to care through more mobile units and new, improved technology to reach patients where they are. I look forward to working closely with Gov. Sanders and stakeholders, with a common goal to improve the lives of our fellow Arkansans.”

Sanders and DFA have worked closely with stakeholders across the state to establish the four priorities for RHTP. Outreach included feedback from physicians, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, as well as higher education institutions and community-based nonprofits.

During the past 60 days, DFA has also hosted numerous townhalls across Arkansas to educate stakeholders on RHTP priorities and the grant application process.