Gov. Sanders Announces Release of Over $5.2 Million in Funding for Rural Hospitals

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Today, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders along with the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, announced the release of over $5.2 million in funding to support the long-term sustainability of rural hospitals. The Rural Hospital Sustainability Program is designed to strengthen rural communities, serve patients, promote economic development, and preserve access to healthcare.

The following hospitals will receive their 6-month funding allocation in the next few weeks based on their attainment of operational metrics:

• South Mississippi County Regional Medical Center - $1.72 million
• Chicot Memorial - $1.37 million
• Mena Regional Health System - $1.37 million
• DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home - $774,000

"These hospitals are leading the way in making smart, lasting changes to benefit rural Arkansans. I'm proud to support their long-term sustainability to help them effectively and efficiently serve all Arkansans," said Governor Sanders.

"All hospitals, including rural hospitals, play a pivotal role in caring for Arkansans across our state, and these funds are intended to help steady the financial situations of these critical facilities. This maximizes the use of the ARPA funding as it supports rural hospitals beyond one-time money," said Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam.

"Rural hospitals across Arkansas are in a better position to serve patients as a result of their work in this program," said DFA Secretary Jim Hudson. "In addition to improved patient care, a financially strong local hospital is a key component of an area's economic success. A partnership between the Governor's Office, General Assembly, and rural hospital leaders made this program possible, maximizing the impact of grant funding," said Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson.

Participating hospitals will be considered for funding to support financial viability through transformative or strategic operational change. Hospitals are required to:

1. Select one of two hospital sustainability plan tracks

2. Develop a remediation plan with clearly defined benchmarks, and

3. Not use funds for legal fees, debt services, tax obligations, pension funding, or court settlement payments.

Funding allocations to participating hospitals were determined by a formula that considers the unique fiscal reality and need of each participating hospital.