Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health Information Hub

 

Rural Mental Health – News

News stories from the past 60 days.

Aug 8, 2019 - Several federal offices are requesting comments on the use of telehealth to help care for patients in emergency departments at risk for suicide. Comments are due August 30, 2019.
Source: National Institute of Health
Aug 6, 2019 - Notice of a final rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updating the prospective payment rates, the outlier threshold, and wage index for Medicare inpatient hospital services provided by Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities (IPFs). The rule also revises and rebases the IPF market basket, removes the IPF Prospective Payment System 1-year lag of wage index data, and implements updates to the IPF Quality Reporting Program. The changes will be effective for IPF discharges from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 5, 2019 - Fayette County, Indiana has the highest suicide and overdose death rates in the state and a drug overdose rate 5 times higher than the national average. Article describes the efforts of End Stigma, a local group dedicated to addressing the stigma related to substance abuse and mental health issues.
Source: WILLradio.tv.online
Aug 5, 2019 - The new University of Missouri-based National Center for Rural School Mental Health, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, held a kickoff conference in June. One of the center's goals is to equip rural teachers to help students access mental health resources.
Source: KBIA
Aug 5, 2019 - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announces a public meeting of the Center For Mental Health Services (CMHS) National Advisory Council on August 21, 2019 from 8-4 p.m. Eastern. The agenda will include the review of minutes from the April 22, 2019 meeting, updates from the CMHS director, and discussion on Children's School Based/Mental Health, Civil Commitment, and Suicide. The meeting may be accessed in person or via telephone, and registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jul 24, 2019 - The Farmer Stress Hotline in South Dakota began in February, in response to farming economic and climate challenges. Farmers face many struggles to keep their farms and are at increased risk for suicide, as they often don't have insurance covering mental health and often live far from mental health providers.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jul 19, 2019 - The National Institute of Mental Health launched a new portal with resources on mental disorders to help organizations and individuals increase mental health awareness. NIMH Education and Awareness includes brochures, fact sheets, and event announcements and will replace the Outreach Partnership Program (OPP) as part of NIMH's outreach strategy.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
Jul 15, 2019 - Dr. Patrice Harris, a native of rural West Virginia, became president of the American Medical Association (AMA) in June. She has served as chair of the AMA Opioid Task Force since 2011, and plans to use her background as a psychiatrist to advocate for bringing mental healthcare into the primary healthcare system.
Source: WFLP News
Jul 15, 2019 - Children's Advocacy Centers of North Dakota, located in Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot, have initiated a telehealth method for treating children in rural counties who are dealing with trauma. Services are free for children ages 7-18. Ninety percent of North Dakota counties have a shortage of mental health professionals.
Source: Jamestown Sun
Jul 10, 2019 - A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health examines trends in urban and rural areas in suicide ideation, planning, and attempts, and provides information about the epidemiology of mental health in the United States. The study evaluated protective factors and risk factors, including lack of access to mental health services in rural areas.
Source: Medical Xpress
Jul 3, 2019 - Announcement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of a National Advisory Council (NAC) meeting on July 23, 2019. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public. Agenda items include remarks from the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, updates from SAMHSA Centers Directors, and council discussion with SAMHSA NAC members.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 21, 2019 - The President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) will develop a national research strategy to address veteran suicide. They are requesting input by August 5, 2019 to inform the strategy's development and measure progress.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Jun 18, 2019 - Announcement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of a National Advisory Council meeting on July 1, 2019. The meeting will be held virtually and is open to the public. The committee provides advice on improving substance use treatment and prevention services, promoting mental health, and protecting the legal rights of people with substance abuse or mental health issues.
Source: Federal Register

Last Updated: 8/15/2019