Gov. Sanders announces measures to strengthen rural healthcare

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration have announced that they submitted the state’s application for funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program.

Over the next five years, the Rural Health Transformation Program will allocate a total of $50 billion to states for enhancing rural healthcare, officials said.

According to a spokesperson, funding for Arkansas is expected to be disbursed in early 2026.

“Improving the health and well-being of all Arkansans is a top priority for my administration,” said Governor Sanders. “Thanks to President Trump and his One, Big, Beautiful Bill, the Rural Health Transformation Program will allow us to build on all we have done so far, like investing in maternal health, combating food insecurity, and promoting better health and nutrition statewide.” 

“This program will change the health of generations of Arkansans,” said Jim Hudson, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Secretary. “I am thankful for Governor Sanders’ leadership and vision in shaping the application. I also want to acknowledge the significant work by ADH Secretary Renee Mallory, DHS Secretary Janet Mann, Dr. Ted Brown, Director of the State Crime Lab, and Arkansas’ Surgeon General, Dr. Kay Chandler in preparing the application.”

Governor Sanders has taken several steps to enhance the well-being of Arkansans, such as signing the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act earlier this year and allocating $45 million to support maternal health, officials said.