Closing the Distance: How ARMOR is Bringing Care to Rural Arkansas

In rural Arkansas, healthcare access often depends on something as simple, and as complicated, as distance. When the nearest clinic is 30, 40, even 60 miles away, getting help isn’t just inconvenient - it can feel impossible. For people struggling with opioid use disorder or other chronic health needs, those miles can be the difference between life and death.

At Arkansas Mobile Opioid Recovery (ARMOR), we’re changing that.

Care That Comes to You

Instead of asking people to find their way to a provider, we bring providers directly to them.

Since launching in April 2024, ARMOR has delivered care in over 3,380 appointments for patients across 52 Arkansas counties, many of which have little or no access to addiction medicine or primary care.

Our mobile clinics travel to Arkansas communities that struggle with healthcare access, offering compassionate, evidence-based care right where people live.

Each clinic is a fully equipped medical clinic on wheels, staffed by professionals trained in addiction medicine, primary care, and behavioral health. Whether someone needs a check-up, lab work, mental health support, or medication-assisted treatment (MAT), we provide it - no long drives, no long waits.

More Than Mobile - Embedded in the Community

ARMOR’s reach doesn’t stop with our weekly routes. We’ve also partnered with residential and long-term recovery programs like Birchtree Communities and Renewal Ranch, embedding care into the daily lives of people in treatment. These partnerships ensure individuals with complex behavioral health needs can receive ongoing, specialized addiction care alongside their existing supports.

We’re not just stopping by - we’re building relationships. Every ARMOR location receives regular, reliable visits, ensuring people can count on us to show up, follow up, and stay connected throughout their recovery journey.

Closing the Distance - and the Gap

Bringing care closer isn’t just about geography. It’s about closing the gap between need and access, between crisis and recovery, between isolation and support.

ARMOR’s mobile model is already making an impact:

• Each person who walks onto our mobile health clinic is met with a care plan tailored to their needs

• We’ve distributed 2,200+ naloxone kits with overdose response training across communities, law enforcement, and faith groups

• Our team includes peer recovery specialists who have conducted over 2,500 support interactions with patients and families

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These numbers reflect something deeper: connection. For the first time in a long time, thousands of Arkansans are receiving the care they need - not just near them, but with them.

Want to Know When We’ll Be in Your Community?

Click LOCATIONS in the menu bar or contact us to learn how to bring ARMOR to your town. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, a loved one, or your community, we’re here to help.