On October 2, 2025, Little Rock saw the launch of the first-ever Arkansas Health Survey. Nearly 10,000 Arkansans shared their insights to help understand and improve the state’s health landscape. Until now, Arkansas has lagged in national health rankings. This survey aims to pinpoint the factors behind those rankings and spark change.
Dr. Michael Niño, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas, led the initiative with Dr. Benjamin Amick from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). “We need reliable health data for better decision-making,” Amick noted. The survey will offer crucial, evidence-based insights to policymakers, guiding them on where to focus their efforts to improve the state’s health.
Mark Williams, dean of the UAMS College of Public Health, emphasized the survey’s uniqueness: “For the first time, we have this level of detailed health information.” This data will allow for evidence-based policy creation, particularly as it covers various health aspects such as maternal health, chronic conditions, and behavioral health.
Not just health status, the survey also examines social and structural influences on health. With a robust methodology, researchers reached out to 70,000 residents across all 75 counties in Arkansas. The survey data will become available in early 2026 through an online platform called AR-COMPASS, making it accessible for various organizations to use.
This survey is only the second of its kind in the U.S., the first being in California. Historical health data shows that states with localized surveys have successfully addressed their unique health challenges. Comparing these findings with past surveys can reveal shifts in public health strategy and funding allocation.
In today’s world, with rising health concerns and disparities, surveys like this are crucial. They not only record health conditions but also highlight community needs, helping foster a healthier future.
According to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 63% of Americans believe that local health data should guide community health initiatives. This shows a growing awareness of the importance of localized data for better health outcomes.
As Arkansans prepare to embrace the valuable insights from this survey, the potential for positive change is palpable. With focused efforts and community involvement, Arkansas can indeed shift its health outcomes for the better.
For further details about health initiatives and trends, check out the [Kaiser Family Foundation](https://www.kff.org) for comprehensive studies and reports.
