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

CDC: Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allowing an additional 30 days for comment on the April 7, 2026, notice regarding a proposed information collection that will be used to improve public health/public safety partnerships and responses to the overdose crisis that involve public safety. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.

An Outdoor Paradise in California Has a High Suicide Rate. Locals Are Determined to Turn It Around

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes high rates of suicide in Lake Tahoe and the surrounding rural communities. Discusses limited resources and mental healthcare available for suicide prevention, access to firearms, and community led efforts to address suicide.

HRSA: Lists of Designated Primary Medical Care, Mental Health, and Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Mobile Mental Health Unit Marks First Year of Expanding Care Across Rural Oklahoma

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

What Are the Top Threats Rural Hospitals Face for Survival?

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

HRSA Announces Nearly $140 Million in New Funding to Improve Health in Rural Communities

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Idaho Behavioral Health Council Asks Lawmakers to Prioritize Rural Communities with Opioid Funding

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Mary Baldwin University Launching Rural Mental Healthcare Program

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

SAMHSA: Solicitation for Public Comments on the Development of an Independent Accreditation System for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion (CCBHC-E) Grant Recipients

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Secretary Kennedy Announces Over $700 Million in New Funding to Address Mental Illness, Addiction, Homelessness

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

HHS: Announcement of Solicitation of Written Comments on Proposed Healthy People 2030 Objectives and Request for Information on Screen Time To Inform Healthy People

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

CMS: Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and Preventing AO Conflicts of Interest, and Related Provisions

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Ohio University Researchers Expand Opioid Use Disorder Treatment with Nearly $4 Million NIH Grant to Improve Rural Primary Care Access

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Announces funding for a study that will scale up a pilot project increasing access to opioid use disorder treatment in primary care across Ohio and West Virginia. Rural providers will have access to a mentor-based prescribing model. Also discusses how students have been involved with the research process.

HHS: Chronic Disease of Addiction

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Notice of a request for information (RFI) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding substance research, policy, and strategies to improve the prevention, treatment, recovery from mental illness and substance use. HHS seeks information from public, patients, people with lived experience of addiction and recovery, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, policymakers and others on improvements to the programs and policies of the United States government and HHS that focus on substance use, including opioid and polysubstance use, prevention, treatment, and recovery as well as mental health treatment prevention, and recovery in all age groups. Includes specific questions and topics of interest to HHS. Comments are due by July 5, 2026.

NCDHHS Announces $10 Million for EMS Workforce Through NC Rural Health Transformation Program

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding has been granted to 39 emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in North Carolina to enhance the EMS workforce as well as improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment and services through mobile integrated health. Describes drug overdose disparities in rural communities.

Bringing Lung Cancer Screening to Rural Minnesota

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes a pilot program that aims to increase lung cancer screenings in rural Minnesota. Discusses higher rates of tobacco use for rural adults compared to urban adults and how the program addresses cancer screening barriers through a "whole-of-office" approach.

SAMHSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is seeking comments on the extension of the generic information collection request (ICR) entitled Generic Clearance for Grant Program Monitoring Activities. Information collected is used by SAMHSA to perform agency program oversight activities such as monitoring progress on recipient activities, determining and responding to recipient's training and technical assistance needs, and ensure compliance with federal and programmatic requirements. Comments are due by July 28, 2026.

Farm Credit Reaffirms Commitment to Customer-Owners with Tools, Initiatives Uplifting Rural Mental Health

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Describes high rates of suicides for farmers and rural residents and highlights free resources and services supporting mental health for those populations.

What's Going Around: Mercy Pilots Opioid Addiction Program to Reach Rural Communities

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Highlights a rural Missouri hospital pilot program ensuring discharged patients with an opioid addiction have medication treatment and quick access to a substance use recovery program. The program aims to reduce chances of relapse and a return hospital visit.

Experts Urge More Mental Health Support for Illinois Farmers

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

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

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

In Rural Communities, Connection Can Help Break Mental Health Stigma, Advocate Says

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Mercy Program Changes How Opioid Addiction Is Handled in Rural Ozarks

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Mercy Hospital Lebanon is piloting a program to help rural Ozarks substance use disorder patients get support during the crucial 72-hour period after opioid withdrawal. The program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and is now available at other Missouri communities including Aurora, Cassville, Carthage, and Mountain Home.

CMS: Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Generic Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) CHIPRA Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment; and 2) Behavioral Health Clinic Quality Data Reporting. Comments are due June 3, 2026.

North Dakota Launches Initiative Focused on Suicide Prevention Support and Training for Rural Healthcare Providers

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

SAMHSA Awards $255 Million to Administer 988 Lifeline

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.