Who We Are

About Us

The Arkansas Rural Health Partnership is a 501c3 nonprofit health entity serving rural Arkansas and beyond.

Our Mission, Vision, & Values

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 Health Reality

Action

We engage community members, leaders, and policy makers to effect transformative change that improves the health outcomes and health equity of individuals living in rural Arkansas. 

Collaboration

We engage representatives from diverse sectors (education, workforce, economic development, public health, private industry) to help form and implement regional solutions to healthcare challenges.

Inclusion

We save a seat at the table for all individuals and organizations that want to foster real change in rural Arkansas. This includes community members, partner organizations, funders, sponsors, and donors.

Innovation

We look for ways to continuously improve and transform rural healthcare, including, but not limited to: delivery systems, payment models, technology, workforce development, and more.

Equity

We are committed to ensuring that individuals living in rural settings have fair and just opportunities to live, work, play, and thrive and champion strategies and efforts that move the needle forward on rural health equity.

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.

What We Do

We believe lasting change is possible by strategically investing in rural health systems and the residents they serve and employ. ARHP initiatives support the following categories:

Health Workforce Continuum

A healthy workforce is vital to the growth & sustainability of rural hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Efforts support future and existing health professionals from all backgrounds and sectors.

Health-Social Skils

Rural Arkansas is fraught with structural challenges that present significant access barriers. Initiatives increase access to needed health and health-social resources (also called social determinants of health).  

Behavioral Health

Residents across rural Arkansas experience higher rates of poor mental health and substance use disorder than their urban neighbors. Efforts increase access to mental health and substance use treatment & recovery services.   

Rural Hospital Sustainability

Rural hospitals, clinics, and health centers face unique challenges which require equally creative solutions. Initiatives build capacity, infrastructure, collaboration, and shared resources between rural health organizations to ensure sustainability.  

Our History

2008

ARHP is Founded

The 501c3 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 identify behavioral health as their #1 concern to address. New programs are designed to address gaps in mental health screening & services and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery.

2020

Rural Workforce Gaps Impact Members

The need for a homegrown rural health workforce is staggering. ARHP invests in health workforce pipeline projects spanning the continuum, from new rural residency training programs to the ARHP health workforce mobile unit.

2024

Exponential Growth Continues

ARHP is now a recognized voice for rural Arkansas and beyond. 20+ members span over 25 Arkansas counties. The Arkansas Rural Health Academy breaks access barriers to bring training & education opportunities throughout the rural state.

Leadership

Staff