Together We Can Improve Mental Health in Rural America

Help Us Make a Difference Today

An anonymous donor has pledged to match funds donated during May, so your impact will be doubled!

Given the mental health emergency in rural America, there is an urgent need to take action:

• People who live in rural areas have higher rates of depression and suicide than those living in urban areas yet are less likely to access mental healthcare services.

• Suicide rates are 64% - 68% higher among people living in rural areas compared to those living in large urban areas. 

• Farmers are twice as likely as people in other occupations to die by suicide. 

• Youth living in rural areas are at greater risk of suicide than those living in urban areas.

• Suicide rates are growing at a faster pace among rural youth.

Rural Minds Is Confronting Mental Illness in Rural America.

Recognizing that self-reliance and a do-it-yourself mindset are common among many people who live in rural America, Rural Minds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with individuals and organizations to help empower rural residents with information and resources to become part of the solution to improving mental health and preventing suicide in their communities. 

The vision of Rural Minds is to end the suffering, silence and stigma that surround mental illness in rural America.

Here are just some of the ways that Rural Minds supporters like you are helping us make a positive impact in rural America: 

• The Rural Mental Health Resilience Program is a collection of free, potentially life-saving mental health information and resources. This program was developed in partnership with the National Grange for rural residents to become part of the solution to improving mental health and preventing suicide in their communities.

• The Rural Mental Health Connections Webinar Series has been developed in collaboration with mental health experts and organizations, including Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Mayo Clinic, the National Grange, Mental Health America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Sleep Foundation, NY FarmNet and TUGS. Click here for information about the latest free webinar and an archive of recordings from past webinars.

• Rural Minds partnered with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and NY FarmNet to develop a free online course – “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America” – to help veterinary students, veterinarians, and agribusiness professionals support rural mental health.

• Rural Minds partnered with Pfizer, USA Today, and the National Grange to create a video that sheds light on the mental health crisis among rural youth.

• Rural Minds is standing up for rural mental health by confronting the impact of governmental policy and legislation on the mental health of people in rural America.

• The Rural Voices webpage provides the opportunity for people in rural America to share their lived experience and help others feel less alone.

• The Growing Hope Together Rural Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program was developed in partnership with the National Grange and launched in 2022 during National Suicide Prevention Month. 

• Easy access to mental health information and resources is provided through RuralMinds.org including:
  – Mental Health Crisis Resources/Support
  – Mental Health Resources: A to Z
  – Mental Health Resources: By Topic

What’s Next? 

With the expansion of new programs in 2025 and beyond, Rural Minds is currently developing a Rural Youth Mental Health Peer-to-Peer Support Program. We aim to empower people of all ages across the country with the information, resources and training they need to confront rural mental health challenges.

Donate to Rural Minds During Mental Health Awareness Month and Have your Gift Doubled!

Please join us in our ongoing quest to end the suffering, silence and stigma that surround mental illness in rural America by making a donation to Rural Minds. There is much to be done. We can’t do it without your help. 

Please Donate Today!