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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Behavioral health

Jul 1, 2026 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the availability of the complete lists of all geographic areas, population groups, and facilities designated as primary care, mental health, and/or dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSA designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until they are re-evaluated in preparation for the publication of the HPSA Federal Register notice on or before July 1, 2027. Lists are available on the shortage areas topic page on data.hrsa.gov and are current as of April 30, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 30, 2026 - Describes the accomplishments of an Oklahoma mobile mental health unit after 1 year of service. Notes that rural areas in particular face access challenges in a state where every county is a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area.
Source: News On 6
Jun 30, 2026 - Highlights common rural hospital healthcare delivery challenges as identified by Wisconsin hospital CEOs. Discusses nursing workforce shortages, employee burnout, reimbursement rates, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, home health, Medicare Advantage, and maintaining inpatient care access.
Source: Farm Progress: Wisconsin Agriculturist
Jun 29, 2026 - The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has announced new funding for rural communities, including funding for rural substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services; expansion of medical residencies; strengthening rural healthcare networks, and advancing telehealth.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Related funding: Delta Rural Integrated Health Network Program · Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Impact (RCORP – Impact) · Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Planning (RCORP – Planning) · Rural Health Network Advancement Program · Rural Northern Border Region Network Planning Program · Rural Residency Planning and Development Program · Technology-Enabled Collaborative Learning Program · Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Program
Jun 26, 2026 - Highlights recommendations from an Idaho state advisory council regarding use of opioid settlement funds. Recommended priorities include funding projects that focus on rural and frontier communities, in addition to first responder mental health support.
Source: Idaho Capital Sun
Jun 26, 2026 - A Virginia university is offering a new psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program to address a growing need for rural mental healthcare amid healthcare workforce shortages. The program will support placements in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Source: Augusta Free Press
Jun 26, 2026 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments to inform the development, implementation, and oversight of an independent accreditation system for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion (CCBHC-E) grant recipients. Specifically, SAMHSA seeks comments on the standards, processes, oversight mechanisms, timing, and supports needed to implement this accreditation system effectively. Comments are due by July 27, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 17, 2026 - Highlights recently released funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mental health and substance use related programs, including multiple rural and tribal community focused opportunities.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Jun 16, 2026 - Notice of final rule with comment period from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) establishing provisions to strengthen the oversight of Medicare national accrediting organizations by addressing conflicts of interest; establishing consistent standards, processes, and definitions; and updating the validation and performance standards systems. In addition, this rule revises the psychiatric hospital survey process, adds a limitation on terminated deemed providers and suppliers when reentering the program, and provides technical corrections for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) facilities and Transplant Programs. This rule is effective June 16, 2027. Comments are due by August 17, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 16, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking comments on three new objectives proposed to be added to Healthy People 2030. Objectives cover access to mental healthcare, childhood development, and referrals to non-clinical activities. HHS also seeks comments on proposals to refine or expand two existing objectives related to screen time throughout childhood and adolescence. Comments are due by July 16, 2026.
Source: Federal Register