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Rural Health
News by Topic: Behavioral health

Jul 1, 2024 - The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces the availability of the complete lists of all geographic areas, population groups, and facilities designated as primary care, mental health, and/or dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSA designations that are currently proposed for withdrawal will remain in this status until they are re-evaluated in preparation for the publication of the HPSA Federal Register notice on or before November 1, 2024. Lists are available on the shortage areas topic page on data.hrsa.gov and are current as of April 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 29, 2024 - Describes Snohomish County, Washington's "community conversations" program, providing information about opioid use misconceptions and stigma. The events are part of Snohomish County's efforts to address racial, income and geographic barriers in behavioral health care.
Source: HeraldNet
Jun 28, 2024 - Discusses The Busyhead Project founded by musician Noah Kahan to fund mental health services across the country. Details how The Busyhead Project is supporting mental health programs in rural and underserved communities via grant funds generated from concert ticket sales.
Source: Good Good Good
Jun 25, 2024 - The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) is seeking nominations for membership on the Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (BSC, NCIPC). BSC, NCIPC consists of up to 18 experts in pertinent disciplines involved in injury and violence prevention, including epidemiology, statistics, trauma surgery, rehabilitation medicine, behavioral science, and health economics. Nominations are due by August 1, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 24, 2024 - Describes the launch of a pilot program supporting Life Care Specialist positions at two rural Georgia hospitals. Describes services offered by Life Care Specialists, including pain medication education, pain management planning, development of healthy coping skills, and local resource referrals.
Source: Mercer University
Jun 17, 2024 - Discusses the impact of Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas on primary care in Texas. Discusses a collaborative care model of healthcare that includes behavioral health screenings in primary care appointments. Highlights a successful statewide network for improving youth psychiatric care. Notes the challenges specific to rural residents.
Source: The Texas Tribune
Jun 10, 2024 - The USDA Rural Housing Service is accepting applications for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for fiscal year 2024. RCDI provides funding for private, nonprofit, and public intermediary organizations to support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Applications that will assist rural communities reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support, ensure rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects, and assist rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure are encouraged. Electronic applications are due by July 10, 2024, and paper applications must be received by July 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
Jun 6, 2024 - Highlights a shortage of psychiatrists and mental health services in rural north Florida. Discusses services offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which reaches rural populations through a variety of free online support groups. Explores additional efforts to increase access to services in rural areas, including the integration of mental health services into primary care and a nonprofit clinic network staffed by psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Source: WCTV
Jun 5, 2024 - Interview with South Dakota USDA Rural Development Director and the Executive Director of Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health. Describes the construction of a new behavioral health facility in Yankton, SD. Notes barriers to improved mental health among rural populations including stigma and lack of access to services.
Source: South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Jun 4, 2024 - Profiles patients and staff at a Rural Health Clinic in Elberton, Georgia. Describes ongoing challenges in accessing care such as lack of transportation, and highlights the growing need for mental health services.
Source: NPR