Health care providers and law enforcement officials in Hempstead County told Arkansas lawmakers Thursday they need more funding to meet southwest Arkansas’ health care needs.
Pafford Health Systems bought Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center a year ago after its previous owner filed for bankruptcy. The hospital serves Hempstead, Lafayette County, Nevada County and part of Pike County. Chief Administrative Officer Shelby Brown told the Arkansas General Assembly Joint Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee the facility faces financial strain and could leave “a big hole in Southwest Arkansas” if it closed.
Brown and Rep. Dolly Henley, R-Washington County, said they’ve asked Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to visit and help find solutions. Sanders spokesperson Sam Dubke said the governor is working with federal partners to secure part of the $50 billion in rural hospital funding from Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The hospital is applying for federal critical access designation, which would reduce its inpatient beds from 48 to 25 but bring higher reimbursement rates. It’s also transitioning to nonprofit status to qualify for the federal 340B drug pricing program.
Local leaders pledged $1 million in 2024 to help keep the hospital open. Brown said the facility wants to expand services, including mental health care, but must first stabilize financially. Lawmakers and law enforcement said more mental health services are urgently needed as local jails and police face rising demand.
Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, said Arkansas’ three crisis stabilization units are underfunded and called for greater state investment in mental health resources.
For original reporting from Arkansas Advocate click here.
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