Rural Mental Health – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Sep 10, 2025 - Highlights suicide statistics for American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Offers federal and other resources for people interested in AI/AN-focused suicide prevention.
Source: Native News Online
Sep 9, 2025 - Video highlighting a program offering free access to licensed mental healthcare for students and their parents in a rural Georgia community. Describes common barriers to mental healthcare for rural residents.
Source: WALB News 10
Sep 9, 2025 - Highlights the work of the North Carolina Psychiatry Access Line (NC-PAL), a free phone line allowing medical providers to consult with behavioral health specialists about their patients. Discusses ways in which they are reaching rural communities to increase access to mental health services.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Sep 4, 2025 - Highlights a pilot program in Virginia to authorize Special Conservators of the Peace to respond to mental health issues. Discusses the trend away from using law enforcement as first responders for these calls, noting that departments in rural communities often do not have the resources to respond to these calls.
Source: Virginia Mercury
Aug 22, 2025 - Discusses the suicide risks for veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services that increase access to healthcare, and secure firearm storage as a means to reduce suicide risk.
Source: VA News
SAMHSA: Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Federal Register
Aug 1, 2025 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is seeking comments on a proposed evaluation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Crisis Services program with a specific look at the impact of the program on suicide and overdose morbidity and mortality. Comments are due within 30 days of publication.
Source: Federal Register
Last Updated: 9/10/2025