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Government Relations
At Arkansas Children's, we know that when it comes to creating and sustaining strong health policy for kids, no one group can do it alone. Our advocacy approach starts with the philosophy of working together. We're proud to partner with community, state and national leaders, because we believe that by joining forces, we can create a future where every child thrives. We’re committed to making all children better today and healthier tomorrow, hand-in-hand with our community.
Our Impact in Arkansas
We know Arkansans trust us to make a real difference, not just for their children, but for the strength of our state. As part of that trust, not only do we provide excellent clinical care; we also use our expertise to educate, advocate and promote policies that support child well-being.
In 2024, Arkansas Children's was honored to serve over 170,000 children representing all 75 counties. We're especially proud to care for nearly 70% of our patients who rely on Medicaid (known as ARKids First) or need our help covering the cost of their care.
Our Approach
We're guided by the principle that every child in Arkansas should have access to the best possible care. That's why Arkansas Children's is deeply involved in shaping healthcare policies that directly impact Arkansas children.
As one of the largest children's hospitals in the nation and a major provider of Medicaid services, we understand the importance of working closely with government leaders. From determining the number of beds we have to the qualifications of our expert staff, policies made at the state and national level affect how healthcare is provided to our state’s children.
Our dedicated government relations team works tirelessly to advocate for policies that prioritize the health and well-being of kids across Arkansas. We're actively involved in drafting legislation, speaking before state lawmakers, providing expert testimony and collaborating with our congressional delegation to make sure your child's voice is heard.
We're committed to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow, from our local communities to Capitol Hill.
Federal
- Authorized Medicaid funding supporting children
- Everything You Need to Know About the ACE Kids Act
- CHA Applauds House Introduction of Crucial Children’s Health Legislation
- Children’s hospital graduate medical education funding
- National Institutes of Health funding in Pediatric Research
- Bolstering support to reduce pediatric workforce shortages
State
In 2023, Arkansas Children’s invested a combined total of $121,880,764 into Arkansas communities between our two hospitals.
Our investment ensures children receive the health care they need, regardless of financial barriers their families face. It also paves the way of future health care professionals through education; supports cutting-edge research; addresses social conditions and health issues affecting child health; and aids other non-profit organizations to partner in our mission of making children better today and healthier tomorrow.
Sheena Olson
Sheena Olson is vice president for Government Relations for Arkansas Children’s. She represents the health system in its interactions with government officials and shares how Arkansas Children’s works with public servants to advance what’s best for children. She is also an advocate for children’s health and well-being, as well as for healthcare operations and government programs that improve the state’s and nation’s health, including Medicaid.
Olson has also served as Medicaid assistant director for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, after being promoted from manager for several Medicaid programs. She began her career in hospital administration at Arkansas Children’s in finance in 2014, and since 2016 she has worked in government relations.
Olson earned criminal justice and Spanish undergraduate degrees at the University of Arkansas Little Rock as a part of the school’s Donaghey Scholars Program as well as a master’s degree in public administration from UALR. Olson then graduated from UALR’s Bowen School of Law. Most recently, Olson completed her master’s degree in public service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School as a member of the inaugural class of the Clinton School Online.
Erin Franks
Erin Franks is the Government Relations administrator for Arkansas Children’s. Erin has held several positions within state government beginning with the Department of Human Services where she worked in the Policy Development and Quality Assurance department as a project manager. Additionally, she worked as the Health in Education Policy Analyst for Medicaid In The Schools. She continued her career with the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General as a Policy Advisor and Legislative Liaison before becoming the Chief Legislative Affairs Director for the Arkansas Department of Education.
Erin joined the government relations team at Arkansas Children’s at the end of 2023. As a representative for the Arkansas Children’s health system at the local, state and federal government levels, she is a champion for child health and well-being by advocating for children to receive unprecedented healthcare and related services.
Erin is an Arkansas native who received her undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Find Your Elected Officials
We appreciate the hard work of elected public servants who advocate for children’s best interests. Find your representatives below.
Arkansas General Assembly
Senate | House
Congress
U.S. Senate | U.S. House of Representatives
Get Involved. Protect Children.
You can show your support for Arkansas children by learning more about how Medicaid helps children and families.