Friends of Arkansas Health Center's mission is to serve alongside Arkansas Health Center to 1) encourage and support Arkansas Health Center’s staff and residents, 2) attract support for contributions and grants from individuals, governmental agencies and corporations, 3) to be a liaison and membership organization between Arkansas Health Center and the friends and families of the residents, and 4) work toward positive community awareness of the needs of the residents.

The Arkansas Health Center (AHC), located in Benton (Saline County), is a 310-bed nursing facility licensed and regulated by the Office of Long Term Care. AHC is the largest nursing home—and the only state-operated nursing facility—in Arkansas. With more than 550 employees, AHC provides nursing home care to Arkansans with special medical and behavioral needs that are not generally met through traditional nursing facilities. AHC houses specialty units to treat individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, those with behavioral or psychiatric disorders, and those who are ventilator dependent for survival. AHC takes a holistic approach to healthcare, treating both the physical and psychiatric health concerns of the residents while also focusing on spiritual needs. Services available at AHC include medical and psychiatric care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, recreation services, laboratory and pharmacy services, social services, psychological services, dental services, food and nutrition services, and environmental services. AHC also serves as a clinical training site for several colleges, including the nursing program at College of the Ouachitas in Malvern (Hot Spring County) and Ozarks Technical Community College in Missouri.

2026 Friends of AHC Fall Online Auction