Arkansas RHTP — Pre-Solicitation Framework
Arkansas
Eligible Entity Types
Funding
Tribal Provisions
Arkansas has no federally recognized tribes with a land base in the state. Tribal 638 clinics were identified as planning partners in the RHTP application, suggesting some level of intended tribal participation, but no set-aside, dedicated track, or specific eligibility language for tribal organizations or 638 clinics has been published. Organizations serving Native American populations in Arkansas should seek clarification from DFA on eligibility and participation pathway.
Application Guide
Arkansas received $208,779,396 in Year 1 RHTP funding ($176/rural resident). The lead agency is the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), coordinating with the Department of Human Services (DHS). DFA — a finance and administration agency rather than the health department — reflects Governor Sanders' framing of RHTP as an economic transformation initiative under the "Make Rural America Healthy Again" banner.
Arkansas's rural health crisis is among the most severe nationally: approximately 45% of the state's population lives in rural areas, 50% of rural hospitals face vulnerability to closure (the highest percentage nationally), and a 2025 report identified 30 of 47 rural hospitals at risk within six to seven years. Arkansas has not expanded Medicaid. The program design involved extensive pre-application stakeholder engagement — more than 300 community proposals, plus input from physicians, hospitals, universities, and nonprofits.
No implementation timeline, sub-grantee solicitation structure, or program page has been published beyond the award announcement. Arkansas's four initiatives — HEART, PACT, RISE AR, and THRIVE — reflect a strong emphasis on workforce development, telehealth, and chronic disease management. Tribal 638 clinics were identified as planning partners; no set-aside or dedicated tribal track has been confirmed.
No solicitation published; no program-specific website identified beyond the initial award announcement. Lead agency: DFA with DHS. Award: $208,779,396 Year 1. 30 of 47 rural hospitals at risk of closure within 6–7 years. No Medicaid expansion. Year 1 expenditure deadline: September 30, 2027.