Rural Health
News by Topic: Behavioral health
SAMHSA: Agency Information Collection Activities Comment Request
Federal Register
Oct 8, 2026 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) seeking comments on proposed revisions to the National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS), which collects information on the substance use and mental health treatment facility locations, characteristics, and use of substance use and mental health treatment services. Proposed changes include revising the questionnaire's content on crisis services and faith-based organizations, and targeted clarifications to existing N-SUMHSS questionnaire items. Comments are due by December 7, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 7, 2026 - Discusses physical and mental healthcare access for rural veterans in Colorado. Describes discussions among federal officials at a Colorado roundtable.
Source: Fox21
Oct 5, 2026 - Highlights a nonprofit organization working to increase access to and resources for mental healthcare for farmers and ranchers. Notes high rates of suicide in the population and discusses signs of poor mental health.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
CMS: Medicare Program; FY 2027 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System-Rate Update; Correction
Federal Register
Oct 1, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services making technical corrections to the July 31, 2026, final rule. This correction is effective October 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Sep 28, 2026 - Highlights research investigating creativity as a method of reflection and personal growth for nurses working in Critical Access Hospitals. Discusses how art and creativity impact care the nurses are able to provide their patients, in addition to their own work and life balance.
Source: University of Colorado Anschutz College of Nursing Newsroom
Sep 25, 2026 - Announces awarded funding for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) which expands substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services throughout rural communities.
Source: Health Resources & Services Administration
Sep 24, 2026 - Discusses the farming-specific drivers of high suicide rates and highlights tools and resources to address the risks.
Source: Trust Magazine
Sep 22, 2026 - Announces a free Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supported conference for 988 and behavioral health crisis system state, territory, and tribal grantees, federal partners, subject-matter experts, providers, and other key partners to discuss strengthening crisis services and systems, as well as network with colleagues. The conference is December 15-17, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Rural response in crisis care is a topic of interest.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Sep 21, 2026 - Describes disparities in buprenorphine treatment availability in rural areas despite new data showing a national increase in the medication in pharmacies and emergency departments. Discusses challenges that continue to exist in rural Pennsylvania and highlights telehealth as a tool that could support improved access to the medication.
Source: WHYY
Sep 17, 2026 - Describes transportation access issues in Kansas for people experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The state's Rural Health Transportation Program is seeking applicants to create a statewide mental health transportation system.
Source: Kansas Public Radio