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Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Health
News by Topic: Mental health

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 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 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
May 13, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeking comments on the reinstatement of an information collection related to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The information collected will be used by the VA to award grants under the SSG Fox SPGP and to assess services and compliance with the grants. Comments are due by June 12, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
May 7, 2026 - In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is highlighting the importance of mental health among pregnant and postpartum women. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can be reached at 1-833-TLC-MAMA and offers free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text, and chat.
Source: Health Resources and Services Administration
May 5, 2026 - According to research done for the Appalachian Regional Commission, deaths associated with drug overdoses, alcohol, and suicide have been declining, but Appalachian deaths of despair remain 33% higher than those in the rest of the U.S. People born between 1981-1999 are among those most affected by deaths of despair.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 29, 2026 - Describes rural disparities in suicide rates and work one rural Utah community is doing to connect residents and students in crisis with mental health care and resources.
Source: Fox 13