Rural maternal care push: Boston Mountain Rural Health Center is pursuing Arkansas’ new $209 million rural health funding to expand services, including adding obstetrics—aimed at reaching 12 counties where it’s often the only option for many patients. Hospital consolidation: Baptist Health formally acquired South Arkansas Regional Hospital in El Dorado, now operating as Baptist Health Medical Center-El Dorado, with cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and emergency services. Workforce pipeline: UAMS received a $2.6 million grant to expand its doctor-researcher pipeline, strengthening training for future clinician-scientists. Public health and safety: A CDC-linked report highlights that infant mortality hit a new low in 2024 (5.52 per 1,000 live births), while a separate analysis warns rural areas lag in cancer prevention and treatment. Food access: Arvest Bank’s Million Meals campaign raised $214,000 for northwest Arkansas and the River Valley, supporting more than 30 food partners and about 1 million meals. Community health tech: A Mountain Home dentist is pitching BTL aesthetic and wellness technology, planning a June 30 launch. Disease urgency: A new look at Rocky Mountain spotted fever stresses that doxycycline started within five days of symptoms is key to survival.