https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/mental-health Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Mental health - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/10/2026-11602/hhs-request-for-comment-on-chronic-disease-of-addiction 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38627 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/06/08/ncdhhs-announces-10-million-ems-workforce-through-nc-rural-health-transformation-program 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38629 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.americanagnetwork.com/2026/05/28/farm-credit-reaffirms-commitment-to-customer-owners-with-tools-initiatives-uplifting-rural-mental-health/ Describes high rates of suicides for farmers and rural residents and highlights free resources and services supporting mental health for those populations. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38593 Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/26/2026-10384/agency-information-collection-activities-submission-for-omb-review-comment-request 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38579 Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/experts-urge-more-mental-health-support-for-illinois-farmers/15f882c5-eca3-4ca9-8cce-899022a5337d? 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38584 Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.ktvo.com/news/local/in-rural-communities-connection-can-help-break-mental-health-stigma-advocate-says/article_db1b7ccb-a94a-47c1-889d-b8034c601b2b.html 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38576 Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.hhs.nd.gov/news/north-dakota-launches-initiative-focused-suicide-prevention-support-and-training-rural 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38550 Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/samhsa-awards-255-million-to-administer-988-lifeline.html 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38548 Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/13/2026-09542/agency-information-collection-activity-under-omb-review-staff-sergeant-parker-gordon-fox-suicide 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38534 Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38513/full-story 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38513 Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://dailyyonder.com/report-deaths-of-despair-decline-nationwide-but-still-more-prevalent-in-appalachia/2026/05/05/ 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38501 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/central-utah/how-gunnison-valley-leaders-are-battling-high-rural-suicide-rates 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. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38488 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.kcrg.com/2026/04/13/university-iowa-psychiatry-resident-programs-looking-improve-access-care-rural-areas/ Describes psychiatry workforce shortages in Iowa where agriculture is a significant industry and farmers are in need of mental healthcare. Discusses expansion of a psychiatry residency program with a rural practice focus in hopes of retaining more workforce. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38428 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500