Rural Mental Health – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Nov 24, 2023 - Summarizes discussions at a mental health summit in Oklahoma with focus on the impact of suicide in the area's tribal communities. Discusses partnerships between tribal nations, state government agencies, and the 988 suicide prevention hotline to reduce suicide rates.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
Nov 22, 2023 - Planned hospitals in the Texas Panhandle will increase access to mental healthcare, including inpatient care, for rural residents. Describes current distance to care for residents and the impact on the local criminal justice system. Highlights local efforts to improve the mental health of the residents and the gaps the hospitals will fill.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Nov 17, 2023 - Highlights veteran suicide data both in West Virginia and nationally, noting that rural veterans are at the highest risk. Discusses distance to mental healthcare and recent policy measures to reduce veteran suicide rates.
Source: The Intermountain
Nov 3, 2023 - A new collaboration between two West Virginia healthcare systems is bringing telehealth to rural pediatric patients seeking mental healthcare. Notes that a shortage of mental healthcare in rural areas can be a barrier to those seeking care.
Source: West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Oct 31, 2023 - A mental health hotline targeting the farming community has expanded service to Oregon. Discusses suicide rates and mental health provider shortages.
Source: The Daily Barometer
SAMHSA: Reorganization of the Center for Mental Health Services
Federal Register
Oct 30, 2023 - Notice from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announcing the reorganization of the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS). CMHS divisions will be reorganized based on topic areas to enhance administrative and operational efficiencies. CMHS will also add two new divisions – the Division of Children and School Mental Health (DCSMH) and the Division of
Suicide Prevention and Community Supports (DSPCS) – with two branches in each division. This reorganization is effective October 26, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 26, 2023 - Data show that most calls from Georgians to the national mental health crisis hotline have come from rural areas, aligning with a rise in suicides in rural Georgia. Notes shortages of mental healthcare in rural areas as well as stigma may contribute to the crisis. Describes funding for rural focused resources and research in mental health.
Source: Capitol Beat
Oct 25, 2023 - Highlights mental health resource gaps in Wisconsin and the proposed crisis urgent care and observation centers to address the gaps. While location is still being decided, rural mental healthcare shortages and long distances to currently available care is being factored into the decision. Discusses the burden placed on small-town law enforcement in responding to mental health issues.
Source: The Cap Times
Oct 17, 2023 - Evaluates the impact of a lack of mental healthcare providers on children in rural North Carolina, particularly for children in foster care and alongside the opioid epidemic. Discusses the projected impact of upcoming Medicaid expansion, shifting mental healthcare provision out of the emergency department, healthcare worker burnout, and health literacy.
Source: Border Belt Independent
Oct 17, 2023 - Discusses the lack of mental healthcare access for children in foster care in rural North Carolina. Notes that children in foster care are more likely to have traumatic and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Data show both an increase in the number of children in foster care as well as a shortage of foster families in this area. Discusses new programs that aim to increase access to mental healthcare including telehealth and access at school.
Source: Border Belt Independent
Last Updated: 11/27/2023