ASUMH to Receive $6 Million Appropriation to Expand Health Education and Facilities

A legislative package presented by U.S. Senator John Boozman and signed into law Saturday, March 23, will help fund enhanced health education at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) through a $6 Million appropriation.

“I’m proud to deliver investments to Arkansas that support growth and development as well as improve the quality of life for Natural State residents," said Senator Boozman in a statement released on Monday. "These bills will enhance health services access and workforce capabilities to deliver quality care in addition to expanding our state’s national defense contributions."

The Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bill will provide funding to support the expansion of the ASUMH healthcare education facility and enhanced technology to develop the medical workforce.  ASUMH offers programs in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Medication Assistant – Certified, Paramedic Technology, Practical Nursing (LPN), Pre-Nursing, Professional Medical Coding, Registered Nursing (RN), Health Professions, and Health Sciences.

Upon notification of the award, ASUMH Chancellor Dr. Bentley Wallace shared his appreciation for Senator Boozman’s acknowledgment of the need for the diversification and enrichment of ASUMH’s health sciences programs and facilities. “Mountain Home is a regional destination for world-class healthcare services.  Securing these funds will allow for expanded and enhanced nursing and allied health education to serve the growing health services needs in north central Arkansas. We appreciate Senator Boozman’s vision and leadership as he continues to focus on improving the lives of Arkansans,” said Wallace.

ASUMH students in the health sciences learn through face-to-face lectures, online education, skills lab practice, simulated learning, and clinical experiences. The Arkansas Department of Education approved ASUMH to offer a pilot project with high school students in LPN education in 2022. This pathway provides a seamless transition from high school to college to the workplace. Stakeholders from Mountain Home High School and Baxter Health joined ASUMH to make this dream a reality.

"We are very excited to hear the news regarding funding for the expansion of the health sciences building and programs at Arkansas State University - Mountain Home. With the shortage of healthcare workforce and the need for additional educational opportunities, this could not have come at a better time,” said Ron Peterson, President/CEO of Baxter Health.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing is one of the top fields for job growth through 2029.  

The health sciences building at ASUMH, built in 2008, was named for Dr. Bernice Gotaas, a pioneering female physician from the Twin Lakes Area.  Gotaas Hall is home to simulation laboratories with lifelike medical manikins, an ambulance simulator, and classrooms that mimic hospital rooms.  This funding will significantly enhance the current facility and educational opportunities for students at ASUMH.