UA to use rural health money to develop Thrive Radar, online tool expanding on work of Arkansas Health Survey

September 17, 2026 - 20:13

FAYETTEVILLE -- More than $750,000 received through the Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program will be used to help communities know where health resources exist, gaps remain and investment is needed, according to the director of the Arkansas Health Equity and Access Lab.

The money will support the development of Thrive Radar, an online tool that builds on the work of the Arkansas Health Survey. The platform is meant to give local leaders, health providers and residents a clearer picture of conditions on the ground, especially in rural areas where data can be thin and services hard to reach.

Organizers say the tool will combine survey results with other public information to highlight disparities between counties and regions. That could help decision makers direct funding toward places with the greatest need, rather than spreading resources evenly without regard to local conditions.

The project reflects a broader push to use data in shaping rural health policy. Supporters argue that better information can lead to smarter spending and more targeted programs. The lab plans to refine the tool over time as new data becomes available and as communities offer feedback on what they need most.