Governor Sanders announces hospitals that received six-month funding allocation
Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, announced more than $9 million in funding to support the long-term sustainability of rural hospitals. The Rural Hospital Sustainability Program aims to fortify rural communities, serve patients, spur economic development, and maintain access to healthcare.
The following hospitals are set to receive their six-month funding allocation this week:
- Howard Memorial Hospital – $1,376,735
- Arkansas Methodist Medical Center – $1,320,542
- Baxter Regional Medical Center – $1,835,647
- Eureka Springs Hospital – $2,294,559
- Fulton County Hospital – $2,500,000
“Rural healthcare is evolving, and I am committed to backing these hospitals as they implement significant, enduring changes to guarantee that Arkansans have access to quality, affordable care,” stated Governor Sanders.
Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam said quote “Rural hospitals are crucial in providing care for Arkansans throughout the state, and they take pride in the efforts made to secure funds to stabilize the financial conditions of these essential institutions.”
“Thanks to this funding, rural hospitals are enhancing their operations, which leads to sustainable care for Arkansans statewide,” mentioned Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson. “
Hospitals participating will be eligible for funding aimed at supporting financial stability via transformative or strategic operational changes. The requirements for hospitals are to:
- Choose one of the two tracks for hospital sustainability plans.
- Formulate a remediation plan with well-defined benchmarks.
- Refrain from using funds for legal fees, debt servicing, tax liabilities, pension fund contributions, or court settlements.
The distribution of funds to the participating hospitals is based on a formula that accounts for the distinct financial situation and needs of each hospital.
