Established by founder and CEO Mellie Boagni in 2008, Arkansas Rural Health Partnership has grown into one of the largest rural health care networks in the country and is nationally recognized for its work in rural health transformation. ARHP began in southeast Arkansas with just five rural hospitals and has grown organically alongside the communities it serves.
“Much of our work focuses on rural health programs that are critically important but not traditionally reimbursable — workforce pipelines, community health workers, prevention, behavioral access and regional collaboration,” Boagni said. “Sustaining these programs requires creativity, persistence and a willingness to advocate for rural communities while navigating funding uncertainty.”
Rural health care is facing unprecedented challenges, including workforce shortages, financial instability, service access gaps, and increasing regulatory and operational complexity. ARHP addresses those challenges through collaboration and innovation to develop shared solutions, strengthen regional systems and align local needs with statewide strategies. In short, ARHP helps rural health care organizations adapt, stabilize and continue serving their communities.
“Our guiding belief is simple: We are all in this together,” Boagni said. “Organizations come to us when they are ready to collaborate, contribute and take a seat at the table to work collectively toward a stronger rural health system in Arkansas.”
111 North Court St., Lake Village • 4747 Dusty Lake Road, Pine Bluff
870.632.7299 • arruralhealth.org
