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Rural Health Information Hub

Other Case Studies and Collections of Program Examples: Mental health

In addition to RHIhub's Rural Health Models and Innovations rural program examples, you may also want to browse other case studies, databases, and websites with collections of health programs.

Each resource listed below uses its own criteria for selecting program examples, which may range from programs known to be effective based on research to anecdotal accounts. In each resource, you may want to review information on the level of evidence required for a program's inclusion.

May include non-rural programs that could be applicable to rural health delivery.

Rural Promising Practice Issue Brief: Training Community Clergy Partners to Increase Access to Care for Rural Veterans
Presents a toolkit and web-based module for the development, implementation, and evaluation of a mental health training program for clergy to help rural veterans. Discusses in-person and web-based training methods implemented in the pilot program. Includes outcomes regarding the increase of access to mental healthcare and clinical impact for rural veterans, among other factors.
Additional links: Overview
Author(s): James Goalder, Kristen Wing, Eric Crawford, Keith Ethridge
Date: 11/2016
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Veterans Health Administration's Office of Rural Health
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Project ECHO's Complex Care Initiative: Building Capacity to Help "Superutilizers" in Underserved Communities
Describes a case study from the University of New Mexico's Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) program, which uses telehealth to support primary care clinicians in underserved areas. Focuses on a project targeting Medicaid beneficiaries with substance abuse and mental health issues, with details on two primary care teams being supported, including one in a rural New Mexico community.
Author(s): Martha Hostetter, Sarah Klein, Douglas McCarthy
Date: 08/2016
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Commonwealth Fund
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Integrated Care in a Frontier Community
Examines the Southeast Health Group (SHG) in La Junta, Colorado, which coordinates physical and behavioral health using patient-centered, wellness-based care coordination to empower patients and promote self-directed care. Focuses on hiring providers who share SHG's philosophy of care, using community resources, and engaging peer support specialists.
Date: 07/2016
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Value
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Coming Full Circle
Profiles Paula Lynch, who was helped by HopeWest Hospice's Mending Hearts adult grief support program after the loss of her son. She now gives back by helping others as she was helped.
Author(s): Kate Menzies
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 05/2015
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Healthy People 2020: A Companion Document to Healthy People 2020, Volume 1
Provides a rural focus for the Healthy People 2020 priorities. Includes overviews of the top 10 rural health priority areas identified by rural stakeholders. (Volume 2 discusses priorities 11-20.) Topics addressed include: health insurance, primary care, emergency services, nutrition and weight status, diabetes, mental health, substance abuse, heart disease and stroke, physical activity, older adults, maternal and child health, and tobacco use. Each overview includes reviews of the relevant literature and models that rural communities can use to address the issues. Document is available for free download, after providing brief information about intended use.
Author(s): Jane N. Bolin, Gail Bellamy, Alva O. Ferdinand, Bita Kash, Janet W. Helduser
Date: 2015
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Southwest Rural Health Research Center
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ATC Update: Telepsychiatry to Return to Washington State's San Juan County
A new facility in Friday Harbor, Washington, is bringing telepsychiatry services back to island residents.
Author(s): Beth Blevins
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 05/2014
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Greenhouse Nurtures Confidence and Skills in Montana Psychiatric Patients
Healing Waters Greenhouse at Montana State Hospital helps patients increase social and work skills and decrease stress.
Author(s): Candi Helseth
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 05/2014
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Rural Behavioral Health Programs and Promising Practices
Examines rural behavioral health programs that were involved in a 2008 study. Reports information gathered from the study, the value of collecting and using the data to make program improvements, and finding funding for sustainability.
Date: 06/2011
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Health Resources and Services Administration
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Suicide Prevention Resource Center - Best Practices Registry
Presents a database of best practices for suicide prevention. Allows users to search by population served, location, and approaches, including by rural and urban locations.
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Suicide Prevention Resource Center
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Eaton Rapids Medical Center: Improving Teen Mental Health
Profile of the Eaton Rapids Teen Center, established in rural Michigan with the help of the local medical center and community organizations, to support students in grades 6-12 and to promote their mental health.
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Michigan Health & Hospital Association
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