Our Story
Rural Hospitals & Health Centers Working Together
Our members recognized early on that if they wanted to continue to shape the health, wellness, and lives of their communities, they had to work together — hand-in-hand with local leaders, other rural healthcare providers, state and federal partners, and community members themselves — to truly address the needs of rural Arkansas residents.
Founded in 2008 by five rural hospitals, ARHP has grown into a statewide network of 42 member organizations — 25 rural hospitals, 9 federally qualified health centers, 3 teaching medical institutions, and ambulatory and support partners serving communities across Arkansas. We believe lasting change is possible by strategically investing in rural health systems and the residents they serve and employ.
Our role isn’t to replace local capacity. It’s to grow it — so the work is sustainable long after any single program ends. That’s what it means to be a catalyst for rural health.
42
Member Organizations
75
Counties Served Statewide
$160.8M
in Grant Funding
2008
Founded
Our Mission
To advance the health and wellness of rural residents, providers, and healthcare organizations through dynamic collaboration, forward-thinking, and the strategic leveraging of resources.
Our Vision
Pioneering a New Rural Health Reality — a future where rural Arkansans have fair and just opportunities to live, work, play, and thrive.
Our Values
Action
We engage community members, leaders, and policymakers to effect transformative change that improves health outcomes and health access in rural Arkansas.
Collaboration
We engage representatives from diverse sectors — education, workforce, economic development, public health, private industry — to form and implement regional solutions.
Invitation
We save a seat at the table for all individuals and organizations that want to foster real change in rural Arkansas — community members, partners, funders, sponsors, and donors.
Innovation
We look for ways to continuously improve and transform rural healthcare — delivery systems, payment models, technology, workforce development, and more.
Access
We are committed to ensuring rural residents have fair and just opportunities to live, work, play, and thrive — and we champion strategies that move rural health access forward.
Our History
How We Got Here
2008
ARHP is Founded
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit health entity is founded by 5 rural hospital members. Together, the organization begins to serve the rural Arkansas community.
2013
Community Needs Shape Strategy
ARHP begins facilitating Community Health Needs Assessments with member hospitals. Identified needs become the foundation of new grant-funded projects (HRSA Delta States).
2016
The Rural Health Crisis Emerges
Every member hospital unanimously identifies behavioral health as their #1 concern. New programs are designed to address gaps in mental health screening and services, and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery.
2022
Exponential Growth Continues
ARHP is now a recognized voice for rural Arkansas and beyond. New hospital members, cross-sector partners, and a significant increase in grant funding expand what the partnership can do for rural communities.
2024
The Arkansas Rural Health Academy Launches
The need for a homegrown rural health workforce is staggering. In July 2024, ARHP launches the Arkansas Rural Health Academy — its member-owned educational branch — alongside workforce pipeline projects spanning the continuum, from rural residency training programs to the ARHP health workforce mobile unit.
2025
ARHP Goes Statewide
ARHP expands its reach statewide, bringing its programs, partnerships, and Academy training to rural communities across Arkansas.
Today
A Catalyst for Rural Health
42 member organizations — rural hospitals, health centers, teaching institutions, and partners — with $160.8 million in grant funding behind the work. One statewide partnership, empowering rural Arkansas for sustainability.
#KeepHealthcareLocal
We engage community members, leaders, and policymakers to effect transformative change that improves the health of those living in rural Arkansas. We fight to keep healthcare local. We FIGHT FOR RURAL.
Meet the People Behind the Work
ARHP is powered by a team that lives and breathes rural Arkansas health.