Arkansas Center for Health Improvement
The 2025 federal budget law includes the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion investment in rural health care. This explainer details how the funds will be distributed and discusses potential ways Arkansas could use its share.
publications
This explainer examines the rise of private equity in healthcare, the financial structures behind private equity transactions, what the evidence shows about the impacts of these transactions on the healthcare system, and how policymakers are responding through regulatory efforts.
The 2025 federal budget law includes the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion investment in rural health care. This explainer details how the funds will be distributed and discusses potential ways Arkansas could use its share.
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is one of the most effective types of birth control available. This review examines LARC utilization trends, barriers to and facilitators of LARC use, and state-based strategies that have expanded access to these devices.
Blog Posts
A new study finds that patient deaths increased at hospitals acquired by private equity compared to non-private equity-owned hospitals.
As Arkansas officials prepare to apply for a share of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, they may wish to draw on several data resources maintained by ACHI.
Healthcare professionals and policy experts recently came together at the National Academy for State Health Policy’s annual conference to discuss public health challenges and efforts to address them through state policy.

Podcast by ACHI
Changes are on the way for community health workers in Arkansas. Earlier this year, the Arkansas General Assembly approved the Community Health Worker Act, which will establish standardized training and a statewide certification process for community health workers and will allow those certified to receive compensation for their services from Arkansas Medicaid and private insurers. Unlike healthcare workers who operate in a clinical setting, though, community health workers may not have the infrastructure in place to make this transition seamlessly. To learn how other states have navigated similar transitions, we’re joined by Colby Takeda, co-founder of Pear Suite, a hub for thousands of community health workers across the country.

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Health Policy Board Policy Positions and Statements
ACHI’s Health Policy Board consists of 21 voting members (and two ex-officio members) from across the state who bring diverse perspectives and interests on health. This independent, self-perpetuating board identifies and establishes strategic priorities, provides direction and guidance, and serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas. The Health Policy Board guides ACHI’s involvement in and position on specific policy matters, and it issues position statements that articulate the health needs of Arkansans.