Arkansas reached a critical turning point in rural health care as the state experienced a rapid decline in the number of rural health practitioners and a steadily aging population. These trends signaled serious gaps in health service delivery. This challenge was first brought to the Institute’s attention by Dr. Mark T. Jansen, director of regional programs at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, who recognized that improving rural health outcomes would require a concentrated and collaborative statewide effort.
2020 Rural Health Summit
The 2020 Rural Health Summit marked the culmination of several years of work to strengthen rural health care in Arkansas. The Institute invited rural health stakeholders from earlier summits to review the results of the working groups’ two‑year efforts. These stakeholders contributed expertise and ideas throughout the initiative, helped address challenges at the one‑year mark, and often served as active members of the working group. The 2020 Summit provided an opportunity to celebrate progress, share successes, and discuss lessons learned.
Rural Health Association of Arkansas
The Institute invited rural health stakeholders who had participated in earlier summits to review the results of the working groups’ two‑year efforts. The long‑term vision for the RHAA included connecting Arkansas’s rural health needs with national resources and recognition through the National Rural Health Association, which helped increase support and visibility for the state’s rural health work.
In addition, the long-term vision for the RHAA included opportunities to connect Arkansas’s rural health needs with national resources and recognition through the National Rural Health Association, thereby expanding both support and visibility for the state’s efforts.
This program was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through an award totaling $100,000, with approximately 17 percent of the funding provided by non‑governmental sources.
Contact Person
