ORAU is bringing together 35 members of its University Consortium, including Arkansas State University, with the goal of finding solutions to these challenges by way of ORAU’s newly formed rural health Research Innovation Cluster (RIC). “This is a critical time to invest in rural health issues, and develop data-driven, evidence-based approaches. Rural communities make up nearly one-fifth of the country’s population, yet major gaps still drive rural health disparities in healthcare access, maternal and child health, mental health, chronic diseases, and healthcare workforce,” Carpenter said. “As the only research institution located in the Arkansas Delta region, and through our Institute for Rural Initiatives, A-State will continue our meaningful and impactful rural health work.” The RIC’s aim is to focus on solving complex problems that impact rural health and resilience across the country.