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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Mental Health – Resources

Selected recent or important resources focusing on Rural Mental Health.

Examining the Burden of Public Stigma Associated With Mental Illness in the Rural U.S.
Webinar recording from March 12, 2024, in which speakers discuss a study examining stigma associated with mental illness in rural and nonrural communities, using a nationally representative panel-based survey. Includes discussion of their study examining rural suicide mortality rates.
Additional links: Slide Deck, Transcript
Date: 03/2024
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organizations: East Tennessee State University Center for Rural Health Research, NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis, Rural Health Equity Research Center, Rural Health Research Gateway
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Geographic Variation, Economic Activity, and Labor Market Characteristics in Trajectories of Suicide in the United States, 2008–2020
Presents a study exploring the associations between economic and labor activity and rurality with changes in suicide rates from 2008-2015. Creates county-level economic categories based on economy type and metropolitan status while breaking down the data by age and firearm involvement.
Author(s): Katherine M Keyes, Sasikiran Kandula, Gonzalo Martinez-Ales, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Epidemiology, 193(2), 256–266
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
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An 'Unseen' Struggle: Addressing Hoarding Disorder in Rural Communities
Discusses the challenges of identifying and addressing hoarding disorder in rural areas, as well as the impact it can have on the ability to age in place. Highlights resources and strategies that can be effective in rural areas to help address this issue.
Author(s): Gretel Kauffman
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Exploring Telemental Health Practice Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Presents a study on the use of telemedicine by mental health providers since the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights the expansion of telemental health during the pandemic and how that expansion has continued in the aftermath. Breaks down data by patient and provider characteristics, as well as the rurality of providers and of the area served.
Author(s): Demi Zhu, Samantha R Paige, Henry Slone, et al.
Citation: Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 30(1), 72-78
Date: 01/2024
Type: Document
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2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Among the American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) Population Aged 12 or Older
Highlights data from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health pertaining specifically to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) over the age of 12. Compares AI/AN rates of drug use and mental illness, as well as co-occurring disorders, to rates for the U.S. as a whole.
Date: 01/2024
Type: Presentation Slides
Sponsoring organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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Health Professional Shortage Areas: Mental Health
Printable map that shows nonmetropolitan and micropolitan mental health HPSAs on one color scale and metropolitan mental health HPSAs on another. Data source: data.HRSA.gov
Date: 01/2024
Type: Map/Mapping System
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Women Veterans: The Journey to Mental Wellness
Report discussing mental health for female veterans. Discusses topics including suicide prevention with a focus on rural issues, abuse and violence, substance use, eating disorders, social connectedness, maternity, and care coordination. Offers policy and research recommendations to the Veterans Health Administration.
Additional links: Quick Glance
Date: 2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Disabled American Veterans
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Policy Solutions Addressing Psychiatric Boarding of Rural Youth
Policy position paper regarding psychiatric boarding - holding patients in an emergency department after the decision to admit or transfer has been made, but no beds are available - of rural children and adolescents. Describes recent trends in pediatric psychiatric boarding in rural areas. Offers policy recommendations to reduce boarding times and improve mental health outcomes in rural communities.
Author(s): Amah Riley, Jonathan Updike, Lauren Wood
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
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State Actions to Build the Behavioral Health Crisis Continuum
Toolkit features a continuum of behavioral health crisis services and supports and discusses the strategies for program planning and development for state officials and agencies. Highlights models and resources for core components such as regional call centers, mobile crisis teams, and stabilization facilities, among others. Also includes crisis care principles, such as peer supports, law enforcement partnerships, and rural and frontier delivery challenges.
Author(s): Rebekah Falkner, Laura Galbreath, Sandra Wilkniss
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
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Geographic Variations in Driving Time to U.S. Mental Health Care, Digital Access to Technology, & Household Crowdedness
Evaluated distance to mental health services, household crowdedness, and access to technology and broadband alongside rurality to determine barriers to mental healthcare for both rural and urban residents in 31,924 ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs). Discusses implications for telehealth and policy measures addressing the digital divide.
Author(s): Sophia N. D. Negaro, Rachel M. Hantman, Janice C. Probst, et al.
Citation: Health Affairs Scholar, 1(6)
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Last Updated: 3/15/2024