The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation is expanding healthcare access with a statewide mobile health connectivity project, which equips each mobile unit with wireless network access using SD-WAN technology to enhance reliability, security and performance in remote rural areas.
With all four mobile health units now fully connected to the internet, communities that have struggled to access care in the past can now receive real-time digital health visits, on-the-spot screenings, and better coordinated care — all without leaving their hometowns.
“This breakthrough means faster services, stronger support and greater reach for those who need it most,” said Denton Thompson, a nurse project manager at the institute.
For rural Arkansans, this advancement is more than just a stronger internet signal. It means fewer long drives to the doctor, quicker diagnoses, and the ability to manage chronic conditions close to home. Providers can now access electronic health records instantly, ensuring patients receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.
In a state where nearly half the population lives in rural areas, healthcare access has long been a challenge. Many Arkansans live miles from the nearest clinic or hospital, and for those without reliable transportation, even routine checkups can be difficult to schedule. Limited broadband access has also made digital health difficult to implement in the communities that need it most. These gaps in care have contributed to some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the country, including diabetes and heart disease.