Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Behavioral health - Rural Health Information Hub

CDC: Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; Notice of Charter Renewal

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the charter renewal of the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (BSC, NCIPC). The charter renewal is effective for a two-year period, through January 13, 2028.

Virtual Crisis Care Helps Rural Communities Access Mental Health Resources in Emergencies

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Highlights a virtual emergency mental health program in rural South Dakota. The program connects law enforcement responding to mental health crises with behavioral health clinicians and offers the person in crisis access to resources available in their community. Following successful implementation in South Dakota, Wyoming is piloting a similar program.

'You Are Never Alone' | How One Tribe Is Fighting Youth Suicide With Culture and Crisis Response

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Describes the focus on native culture as a preventive strategy for suicide and mental health crises in Lummi Nation. Discusses high rates of drug overdoses among Lummi Nation youth.

The Pulse: Virginia Expands Maternal Mental Health and Cervical Cancer Screening Efforts

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Describes state-level legislation and community initiatives in Virginia to improve access to care for maternal mental health issues and cervical cancer screening. Discusses efforts to include rural residents to specialty care through telehealth.

HHS: Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder; Correction

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) making corrections to the February 2, 2024, final rule titled "Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder." These corrections are effective February 23, 2026.

Mental Health Needs in Rural Areas Rise, but Access Lags

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Discusses the need for and lack of mental healthcare in farming communities with a close look at Texas and Oklahoma. Identifies occupational contributors to stress and rural-specific barriers in accessing care.

School Of Medicine Receives Over $600,000 To Continue Fighting Opioid Epidemic

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust has awarded more than $600,000 to research and prevention projects at Mercer University School of Medicine. The projects address substance use in Georgia and emphasize prevention, treatment, and impact in rural communities most affected by the opioid epidemic.

Rural EMS Under Pressure: Longer Calls, Higher Acuity

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

A recent study found that rural EMS call times were at least 20 minutes longer than the national average, and nearly 40% of these calls were for patients with complex injuries, compared with a national average of 26.4%. Rural EMS providers also face challenges in pediatric and mental health care.

CMS: Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers; 2) 13th SOW Quality Innovation Network—Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) and American Indian Alaskan Native (AIAN) Measure Data Collection; and 3) Conditions of Participation for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities' (PRTFs) Use of Restraint & Seclusion. Comments are due by March 9, 2026.

EOP: Addressing Addiction Through the Great American Recovery Initiative

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Executive Order from the Office of the President establishing the White House Great American Recovery Initiative. The Initiative will coordinate the Federal Government's response to the addiction crisis, including advising heads of executive departments and agencies on how to implement programs that integrate prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support, and re-entry into all relevant systems. The Initiative will be co-chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery, and will have an Executive Director who shall administer the Initiative who will report to the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.

18 Rural Georgia Counties Partner to Reduce Opioid Overdoses

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Discusses overdose death disparities in rural Georgia and new funding for 18 communities to support community-based responses. Notes rural-specific challenges in addressing the opioid crisis.

Hill Country Floods Are Worsening Mental Health Issues in Kerr County, Report Finds

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Describes an increase in mental health needs in rural Kerr County, Texas following devastating floods in July 2025. Discusses the long-term impact of trauma, limited mental healthcare options in the area, and planned philanthropic funding to address the community's mental health needs.

Women in Agriculture on the Road to Mental Wellness

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Describes a planned study investigating sources of stress for female farmers in Arizona and resources to support mental health. Discusses the community-based participatory research strategy for the study.

Youth Villages Expanding Intercept Program to Reach Rural Areas

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Describes increasing rates of suicide among children between 10 and 17 in Tennessee and highlights a program being expanded into rural communities to address the crisis. Notes rural-specific issues driving poor outcomes including stigma and less mental healthcare access. Discusses telehealth and school-based services as opportunities to improve outcomes.

New Mental Health Program Meets Kids Where They Are: At School

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Discusses a program offering mental healthcare to students in a rural Virginia school. Highlights the program's funding, the increased mental healthcare access for rural children through school-based programs, and mental health awareness.

Helping the Rural US Overcome Its Rising Suicide Rates

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Describes suicide disparities for rural areas compared to urban ones and factors contributing to higher rural rates. Highlights policy measures addressing rural suicide in Montana and Washington.