<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/about/news/us-sen-john-boozman-secures-9-million-for-healthcare-simulation-expansion.html" dsn="news"><featured>true</featured><pubDate>02/03/2026</pubDate><title>U.S. Sen. John Boozman Secures $9 Million for Healthcare Simulation Expansion</title><description>A-State will move forward with plans to expand healthcare simulation and training capacity after Congress approved $9 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. John Boozman. The project will help address maternal, infant and mental health needs across the Arkansas Delta and beyond.</description><author/><image><img src="/images/news/nursing-student-in-simulation-lab-2400.webp" alt="An A-State nursing student practices hands-on clinical skills during a simulation lab exercise."/></image><showImage>after</showImage><imageWidth>narrow</imageWidth></item>