Rural Health Funding: Baxter Health landed major State of Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program awards—$7.74M for THRIVE at Home and $12M for a Baxter Health Rural Access Network—aimed at bringing more services, specialists, and tech support closer to rural patients. Insurance Network Shock: CHI St. Vincent/CommonSpirit Health is leaving Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield networks effective Sept. 1, pushing many patients to out-of-network reimbursement at four Arkansas hospitals, 80 clinics, and 300+ employed providers (Medi-Pak Medicare supplement members aren’t affected). Maternal & Youth Health: UAMS is bringing Girlology® to Northwest Arkansas on Sept. 20, with medically accurate puberty education for girls ages 8–14 and caregivers. Opioid Treatment Access: MedMark Treatment Centers says 25 opioid treatment sites across nine states are expanding buprenorphine office-based opioid treatment options. Public Health & Safety: Arkansas River contamination concerns are rising after a massive Colorado sewage spill; officials warn downstream communities and agriculture about high E. coli levels. Community Mental Health: RoarCorps’ youth mental health outreach continues expanding partnerships with local nonprofits. Local Health Infrastructure: Johnson Regional Medical Center received $974,455 for telecardiology access and cybersecurity modernization under THRIVE.