Rural health systems play a critical (and often unseen) role as anchors in small communities throughout the nation. Many times, rural hospitals and health centers are the largest and most stable employer in a rural community, while also supporting numerous local businesses as they purchase goods and services to maintain daily operations. In fact, every dollar spent by a hospital supports approximately $2.30 of additional business activity. Rural hospitals, clinics, and health centers serve as safety net providers, offering access to essential healthcare and support services to residents, regardless of demographic and socioeconomic background. These organizations attract hard-to-recruit professionals into small, rural towns. When a rural health system has to close their doors, the ripple effect can be felt throughout the entire community.
Since 2008, ARHP has worked alongside rural health systems across South Arkansas to ensure that our rural residents, workforce, and local economies continue to grow and thrive through the sustainability of our rural health systems. ARHP is committed to supporting the well-being of essential rural health systems to prevent the growth of healthcare deserts, outward migration, and worsening health outcomes through the following initiatives:
Advocacy. ARHP serves as a voice for rural health and a passionate advocate for rural health systems. This commitment takes on many forms and can look like late night phone calls with hospital CEOs, impromptu brainstorming meetings in hallways, and last minute strategy sessions to course correct. At times, it means making phone calls to power companies to find power for emergency backup generators or offering presentations before thousands on the importance of keeping rural hospital doors open. ARHP will continually find ways to ensure that the rural voice is considered and heard so that communities and health systems thrive.
Administrative & Fiscal Support. Every three years, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires nonprofit hospitals to complete needs assessments to ensure that services are meeting actual community need. ARHP facilities this process for non-profit hospital members. Findings influence the design and delivery of all ARHP initiatives. The organization also engages health system members in nearly two dozen grant-funded initiatives which supports collaboration, innovation, and healthcare delivery throughout the region.
Support for Health System Executives. ARHP provides one-on-one support, advice, and expertise to C-suite level healthcare executives related to strategy, funding, and healthcare policy. In recent months, ARHP has been able to help fill interim C-suite vacancies (i.e. Chief Financial Officer, etc.) while the health system looks for a qualified replacement. Executives also benefit from the shared knowledge and expertise of fellow members through regular meetings.
Support for Health System Board Members. ARHP offers informal and formal education for board members tasked with leading rural health systems and supporting healthcare administrators. The organization recently facilitated several board retreats for ARHP hospital members.
Support for Healthcare Administrators. ARHP facilitates 17 department-level roundtable meetings for healthcare administrators throughout the region. Individuals with similar job responsibilities regularly benefit from shared learning and networking opportunities. The organization also offers certification training in billing and coding (and other health administration duties) to support efficiencies and increased revenue for health systems.
Support for Healthcare Providers. ARHP assists in recruiting and retaining healthcare providers from various disciplines (i.e. first responders, allied health, nursing, medical, etc.). The organization provides (in-person) certification trainings (i.e. basic life support, advanced life support, etc.), and a continuing education platform (online) to assist providers in maintaining their license requirements. ARHP also has a robust health workforce pipeline initiative to recruit and train the next wave of healthcare professionals for the region.
