Healthy Connections participated in the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP) conference in Little Rock, with Executive Vice President for Operations Ron Sellers representing the organization.
More than 40% of Arkansans live in rural areas, according to U.S. Census data. Many of those communities face healthcare workforce shortages, long travel distances for specialty care, and higher rates of chronic disease. Addressing rural health access in Arkansas requires coordinated action — not isolated effort.
That is exactly the purpose of the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership: bringing together hospitals, clinics, and healthcare leaders to strengthen rural clinic sustainability, expand access, and improve outcomes statewide.
Advancing Rural Health Access in Arkansas
The ARHP conference focused on some of the most pressing issues facing rural healthcare providers, including:
- Healthcare workforce shortages in Arkansas
- Telehealth expansion and digital access in rural communities
- Financial sustainability for rural clinics and hospitals
- Behavioral health integration
- Cross-organizational collaboration to reduce gaps in care
For patients, these are not abstract policy discussions. They shape whether a clinic remains open, whether a provider is available locally, and whether care can be delivered closer to home.
Healthy Connections’ presence ensures that the realities facing Federally-Qualified Health Centers in Arkansas — and the patients we serve — are part of these statewide conversations.
A Critical Part of Arkansas’ Rural Health Infrastructure
As a Federally-Qualified Health Center in Arkansas, Healthy Connections plays a central role in expanding access to comprehensive care across Western and Central Arkansas. Our integrated model brings together primary medical services, dental care, behavioral health, addiction treatment, women’s health, pediatric services, HIV care and prevention, chronic disease management, and specialty services under one coordinated system of care.
In many rural communities, FQHCs serve as foundational access points for care. Strengthening rural clinic sustainability and workforce development directly impacts our ability to continue delivering affordable, high-quality services to patients regardless of insurance status.
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, ARKids 1st, and most private insurance plans, and offer a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients who qualify — because healthcare access in Arkansas should not depend on geography or income.
Looking Ahead
Participation in the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership conference reflects more than attendance. It reflects commitment.
Healthy Connections will continue working alongside healthcare partners, policymakers, and community leaders to ensure rural Arkansas is not left behind in healthcare innovation, funding, or access. Collaboration is essential to protecting the future of rural healthcare in Arkansas — and to ensuring that patients in every county receive the care they deserve.
If you live in a rural Arkansas community and need trusted, comprehensive healthcare, call 888-710-8220 or visit www.healthy-connections.org to find a clinic near you.
