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Modernizing NAATP.org with React and Drupal 11

Visual Design Website Development Customer Database (CRM) Custom Features
Computer monitor on desk showing map of the US

Overview

NAATP needed a modern, scalable platform to better support its member directory. The previous Drupal site was functional but limited, missing many of the advanced features now available. Users lacked intuitive tools for browsing, filtering, and interacting with content. The goal was to build a future-ready platform that could grow with the organization. We launched a new site using Drupal 11, enhanced with React, to deliver a faster, more intuitive experience.

Challenge

The earlier Drupal setup made it hard to build modern, interactive features. The member directory, in particular, needed better filtering, search, and navigation tools. NAATP wanted to stay within Drupal but needed a more flexible front end that could deliver a faster, more responsive experience.

Solution

We used Drupal 11 for content management and React for a modern frontend. This setup delivered:

  • A fast React search interface with real-time filtering
  • Noticeably improved performance
  • Reusable components
  • A simpler UI for members and staff
  • Clear separation between Drupal’s structure and React’s display

REST Integration with Drupal Views

React components consume structured content from Drupal Views exposed through a custom REST endpoint. The member directory View exports fields like Organization Name, City, State, and Treatment Types. This setup allows React to render fast, filterable search results on the frontend.

Directory Listings

Each directory page pulls structured content from CiviCRM using Drupal Views. Listings include address links that open in Google Maps, custom fields like Treatment Types and Insurance Accepted, and optional sections such as Facilities and Parent Organization. These are rendered dynamically and styled for both desktop and mobile.

Boosted Search with Search API

Search is powered by the Drupal Search API. We created a custom index and applied boost settings to key fields like Organization Name and City. A Combined Fields filter brings together multiple CiviCRM values, improving the accuracy and relevance of results. For even faster or more scalable search in the future, the site could be configured to use Solr as the search backend.

SEO Integration with CRM Fields

We added organization names to URLs and injected CiviCRM field values into meta tags for better SEO. Drupal handles meta tags on initial load, while React manages updates as users navigate between search results and detail pages.

Interactive Map Filtering

We built a custom SVG map filter using JavaScript, enhanced with Alpine.js for lightweight interactivity. Users can click a state to narrow search results, with tooltips showing the number of listings. Country filtering is handled through the sidebar. This map view adds a visual layer to the search experience.

Front-End Tooling

Webpack bundles only the CSS and JavaScript needed for each page, which helps pages load faster and keeps the experience smooth for users. Alpine.js supports lightweight UI behaviors like toggles and menus, reducing the need for heavier tools in the admin theme. This setup keeps the site fast, maintainable, and ready to grow.

Results

  • React and REST integration significantly improved site speed and responsiveness
  • Caching and bundling strategies boosted performance scores
  • Search is faster and more relevant thanks to Search API indexing and boost settings
  • SEO benefits from structured URLs and dynamic meta tags
  • Accessibility improved through font size adjustments, better contrast, and clearer navigation
  • Members now use a cleaner, more intuitive interface to manage profiles
  • Interactive map filtering makes it easier to browse listings by location

Together, these improvements help NAATP deliver a better user experience while keeping the platform flexible for future growth. By combining Drupal 11 with modern tools like React and Alpine.js, we showed how Drupal can stay current without giving up its core strengths.

Could your team benefit from a more modern Drupal experience?

Please drop us a line on our contact page.