HJAR Jan/Feb 2025

DIALOGUE 12 JAN / FEB 2025 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS workforce shortages. Despite that grim reality, I believe reopening these units is possible if we take a strategic, statewide approach. First, we have to bolster the local workforce by recruiting and training OB/ GYNs, nurse practitioners, and midwives who want to serve in rural areas. Next, we need a reimbursement model that reflects the true cost of delivering safe, effective obstetric care, so rural hospitals aren’t forced to scrap these services just to stay afloat. Finally, partnerships — whether with larger hospital systems or FQHCs — are crucial for sharing resources and distributing costs. I’m hopeful that if we champion maternal health at every level, including expanding telehealth OB services and rotating providers from bigger systems, we can bring OB units back to these communities and ensure that expectant mothers have access to quality care close to home. Editor How are rural healthcare facilities addressing staffing shortages for physicians, nurses, and specialists? How does the pay for these providers compare with metropolitan areas in Arkansas and across the state? Boagni Staffing shortages are hands down the toughest challenges we’re up against. Compared to big city facilities, rural hospitals can’t always match the pay or the “lifestyle perks” that come with urban living. But there are promising initiatives aimed at turning this around. For instance, Arkansas has state loan repayment programs to help physicians and nurses pay off their student debt if they work in rural or underserved areas for a few years. Many rural hospitals are also investing in “grow your own” programs, where high school and community college students receive scholarships, mentorships, or job- shadowing opportunities that steer them toward healthcare careers close to home. Some hospitals even team up with local chambers of commerce to highlight the benefits of rural living like lower costs, a stronger sense of community, and the chance to make a bigger impact right from the start. We’re also seeing greater flexibility in scheduling with shift differentials or remote roles for nonclinical staff. Salary is still a hurdle. Rural providers might get a com- petitive base pay, but they often miss out on large sign-on bonuses or cutting-edge tech resources you’d find inmetro hospitals. Through state-supported workforce initia- tives and new academic partnerships, we’re trying to level the playing field so that peo- ple see rural practice not just as a fallback option, but as a truly rewarding career path. Editor Tell us about the Arkansas Rural Health Academy and programs like Connect to Tech that help train healthcare talent. Boagni The Arkansas Rural Health Academy (ARHA), launched in July 2024 under the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP), is a game-changing mobile training academy dedicated to addressing the severe workforce shortages in rural Arkansas. Our mission is clear: to empower and train the next generation of rural health workers through innovative, accessible, and affordable programs specifically designed for and by rural residents. Understanding the unique challenges faced by rural communities, ARHA offers a diverse range of training options that cater to different needs and schedules. From short, impactful courses like CPR and one-day Mental Health First Aid sessions to comprehensive programs such as community health worker, patient care technician, and medical assistant certifications, we ensure that aspiring healthcare professionals can find a path that fits their lives. Additionally, our EMS training programs — including emergency medical technician, paramedic, advanced medical life support, and international trauma life support — equip individuals with the critical skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies right in their own communities. New academy certificate and degree path training programs will be launched in rural regions with known education deserts as demonstrated needs and gaps are identified. Additionally, our Connect to Tech pro- gram stands as a supportive initiative for those looking to advance their careers in health information technology or behavioral “Rural communities in Arkansas tend to have worse health outcomes than urban areas. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and COPD are more common partly because preventive care, healthy food, and specialty services can be harder to find or get to. When you live far from a hospital or don’t have reliable transportation, it’s all too easy to skip appointments or wait until things get really serious.”