Arkansas Hospital Association

10/30/2026

Our Director of Analytics and Financial Policy, Donald McCormick, presented today at the Arkansas HFMA Chapter Fall Conference on the 2027 Hospital Advocacy Outlook.

Don shared critical updates on the policy landscape facing our hospitals — including navigating the upcoming discussions surrounding the ARHOME waiver and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 General Assembly. Staying engaged with our state's healthcare finance leaders is essential as we work together to protect hospital sustainability and patient access across Arkansas.

Thank you to the Arkansas HFMA chapter for a great Payor & Reimbursement Summit!

10/22/2026

Today marks one week out from our 2026 AHA Annual Meeting. It was an honor to convene healthcare leaders from across the state. Each year, we have the privilege of providing a dedicated space for collaboration, learning, and networking. Bringing our hospital community together reinforces our ongoing commitment to advocate for and support our hospitals, because without them, communities cannot thrive.

We extend our congratulations to this year's Diamond Award and special award recipients for their outstanding leadership and contributions to healthcare:

2026 Diamond Award Winning Hospitals:
• LifeTouch Health
• Baxter Health
• CARTI
• CHI St. Vincent
• Conway Regional Health System
• Jefferson Regional
• Lawrence Healthcare
• North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
• Saline Memorial Hospital
• St. Bernards Healthcare
• UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• White River Health

2026 Special Award Recipients:
• A. Allen Weintraub Memorial Award: Sammie Cribbs-Roberson, President & CEO, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
• C.E. Melville Young Administrator of the Year: Kayla Beamon, Administrator, Methodist Children's Behavioral Hospital - Jonesboro
• ACHE Regent's Award (Early Career): Erin Parker, Senior VP & CIO, Arkansas Children's Hospital
• ACHE Regent's Award (Senior Career): David Deaton, CEO, Ozark Health Medical Center
• Distinguished Service Award: Jamie Pafford, Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center
Thank you to our sponsors and attendees for an incredible week. Mark your calendars for next year's meeting: October 13–14, 2027.

Photos by Nelson Chenault

10/22/2026

10/19/2026

Healthcare reaches far beyond the bedside.

Across Arkansas, hospitals are helping patients thrive at home with mobile screenings, food pantries, and vital community resources.

Hospitals are the foundation of healthy communities, supporting Arkansans both inside and outside their walls.

Follow Fairness for AR Hospitals to learn how hospitals are building health beyond the bedside and why supporting them matters to every Arkansan.

Health is shaped by more than direct medical care. It is influenced by whether people have enough to eat, a safe place to sleep, and reliable transportation to work, the grocery store, or an appointment.

10/08/2026

Investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals means investing in a healthier Arkansas.

From education to hands-on experiences, Arkansas hospitals are helping build the healthcare workforce of tomorrow.

Hospitals do more than provide care. They anchor their communities by investing in the people and resources that keep Arkansas healthy.

Follow Fairness for AR Hospitals to learn why supporting our hospitals matters to every Arkansan.

This summer, more than 450 Arkansas high school students participated in Medical Applications of Science for Health, or MASH, camps across the state. The camps give students a chance to explore beyond their textbooks and experience healthcare firsthand through clinical demonstrations, workshops and

10/06/2026

🍂 The Fall issue of Arkansas Hospitals is here!

Our latest issue, “The Communal Lift,” shines a light on the people, communities, and health systems working together to ensure Arkansans continue to have access to high-quality care — even in the face of regulatory challenges, financial pressures, and an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

From communities investing in their hometown hospitals, to employees supporting one another through times of hardship, to hospitals creating meaningful opportunities through Project SEARCH, this issue is a powerful reminder that resilience is strongest when we stand together.

Arkansas hospitals are more than places of care. They are employers, economic anchors, community partners, and essential parts of the communities they serve.

Start your reading with AHA President & CEO Bo Ryall’s message, “Resilient in the Mission to Deliver Care,” and discover the stories of resilience, collaboration, and commitment happening across our state.

10/02/2026

Navigating a changing health care landscape isn't easy, but Arkansas hospitals continue to rise to the occasion.

Even amidst shifting challenges, local hospitals are doing an incredible job serving their patients, expanding care where possible, and keeping families connected to the services they rely on.e.

Follow Fairness for AR Hospitals to learn more.

From the Ozarks to the Delta, Arkansans are widely dispersed across 53,000 square miles. For hospitals, providing access to care means more than having the right services.

10/01/2026

Every mother and baby deserves a healthy start. 🤍

In recognition of the American Hospital Association's Better Health for Mothers and Babies Awareness Week, the Arkansas Hospital Association is shining a light on the dedication of our state's hospitals and care teams.

With OB closures creating real challenges across Arkansas, these resources and collaborative strategies are important now more than ever. From sustaining vital services and supporting dedicated NICU teams, to navigating these tough landscape shifts, our hospitals remain steadfast in standing by Arkansas families every step of the way.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/47oxu3c

09/29/2026

As community anchors, hospitals do more than provide vital healthcare — they drive local economies. Because they are frequently the largest employer in the area, their roots in the community run deep.

Follow Fairness for AR Hospitals to learn more.

Any thriving economy rests on a sturdy foundation of essential institutions. Alongside agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and forestry, healthcare is an essential industry for Arkansas.

09/25/2026

Hospitals are there when you need them for care. But they are also so much more than a place of healing. From sourcing local food to supporting Arkansas farmers and businesses, the impact of a hospital reaches far beyond its walls — shaping and supporting the entire community.

Follow Fairness for AR Hospitals to learn more.

Any thriving economy rests on a sturdy foundation of essential institutions. Alongside agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and forestry, healthcare is an essential industry for Arkansas.