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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Behavioral health

May 29, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments on the extension of the generic information collection request (ICR) entitled Generic Clearance for Grant Program Monitoring Activities. Information collected is used by SAMHSA to perform agency program oversight activities such as monitoring progress on recipient activities, determining and responding to recipient's training and technical assistance needs, and ensure compliance with federal and programmatic requirements. Comments are due by July 28, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 28, 2026 - Describes high rates of suicides for farmers and rural residents and highlights free resources and services supporting mental health for those populations.
Source: American Ag Network
May 27, 2026 - Highlights a rural Missouri hospital pilot program ensuring discharged patients with an opioid addiction have medication treatment and quick access to a substance use recovery program. The program aims to reduce chances of relapse and a return hospital visit.
Source: KY3
May 26, 2026 - Describes agricultural occupation factors driving a higher rate of suicide, depression, and anxiety among farmers. Discusses disparities for women in the industry and resources for farmers in Illinois.
Source: Public News Service
May 26, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments on a proposed extension for methodological field tests for the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The tests will continue to examine ways to increase data quality, lower operating costs, and gain a better understanding of sources and effects of non-sampling error on NSDUH estimates. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
May 21, 2026 - Rachel Jones, director and co-founder of suicide prevention organization Andrew's Hope, works to reduce stigma by promoting mental health literacy, encouraging early intervention, and helping to build a more supportive community. She emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer support, especially in rural areas.
Source: KTVO
May 21, 2026 - Mercy Hospital Lebanon is piloting a program to help rural Ozarks substance use disorder patients get support during the crucial 72-hour period after opioid withdrawal. The program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and is now available at other Missouri communities including Aurora, Cassville, Carthage, and Mountain Home.
Source: Springfield News-Leader via AOL
May 20, 2026 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) CHIPRA Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment; and 2) Behavioral Health Clinic Quality Data Reporting. Comments are due June 3, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 15, 2026 - North Dakota is launching an initiative to support rural and tribal healthcare providers in implementing suicide risk screening, follow-up care, and improved referral pathways to mental health and behavioral healthcare services. About 164 North Dakotans died by suicide in 2025.
Source: North Dakota Health & Human Services
May 15, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has awarded Vibrant Emotional Health $255 million to administer a suicide and crisis hotline. The 988 Lifeline allows people to reach crisis counselors 24/7 for help with a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services