Decoding Stigma: The Neural Science of Mental Health - Rural Minds Founder Jeff Winton Spoke at Congressional Briefing

Watch the full recording of the Congressional briefing above.

 On February 4, 2026, the Congressional Neuroscience Caucus (CNC), in cooperation with the American Brain Coalition (ABC), American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), American Neurological Association (ANA), American Psychiatric Association, One Mind, Society for Neuroscience, The STARR Coalition, Bristol Myers Squibb, Neurocrine Biosciences, and Otsuka US, hosted a briefing highlighting the current neuroscience research that explains how mental health conditions develop, how stigma influences health outcomes, and what evidence-based strategies can effectively reduce societal and self-stigma.

Dr. Mark Rasenick, ABC Chair Emeritus, provided introductory remarks highlighting the importance of continued brain research and linking neuroscience research to improved treatments and reduced stigma of mental health conditions.

 Dr. Rasenick introduced CNC Co-Chair Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), who discussed the impact of mental illnesses on family, friends, and communities. Congressman Thompson described the link between homelessness, addiction, and mental health, highlighting that self-medication is often the result of a lack of access to treatment. He discussed a bill he introduced, the Mental Health Research Accelerator Act (H.R. 2085), which would provide tax credits for public-private partnerships to conduct brain research. Dr. Rasenick also introduced Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), who emphasized the current impact of mental health conditions, especially post-pandemic. She expressed support and underscored the urgency of treating mental health conditions.

Mr. Andy Dunn, Co-founder of Bonobos, Pie, Monica+ Andy, and author of Burn Rate, delivered a keynote address sharing his personal journey with bipolar disorder. He spoke candidly about navigating the difficulties of his symptoms throughout his education and entrepreneurial career. During the pandemic, his experiences with isolation led him to found Pie, a platform designed to foster friendships and community to address loneliness. Dunn emphasized the urgent need for greater access to mental health care, affordable medication, supportive workplace environments, and strong family and community networks.

Dr. Mark Rapaport, President-elect of the American Psychiatric Association and Board Chair of Stop Stigma Together, emphasized that advances in research now allow scientists to demonstrate how the brain interacts with the rest ofthe body, reinforcing that substance use disorders are disorders of the brain. Dr. Rapaport highlighted three forms of stigma: self-stigma, social stigma, and institutional stigma. He underscored that science offers hope by driving better treatments and cures, and that clinical research is only possible through patient participation.

Dr. Andrea C. Beckel-Mitchener, Acting Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Deputy Director of the BRAIN Initiative, discussed NIMH's efforts in funding research into brain mechanisms, behavior, and treatment. Barriers to care are a focus for NIMH research, including affordability, access to providers, and whether treatments are usable and adequate for individuals and communities. She discussed the need for more research on brain development and how genetic and environmental factors contribute to illness. Dr. Beckel-Mitchner further spoke optimistically about the younger generations' openness about mental health and how it will support destigmatization.

Erica Moore, Director of Operations at The STARR Coalition, emphasized the dual stigma surrounding both mental illness and participation in mental health research. In addition to the stigma associated with diagnosis, many individuals and families face hesitation or mistrust around research involvement. She highlighted a community engagement model that addresses stigma by building proactive, trusted relationships with local organizations near clinical research sites. By helping individuals and families understand the biological underpinnings of mental illness, this approach can foster greater understanding, shift perceptions, and support more informed and compassionate attitudes toward both treatment and research.

Jeff Winton, Founder and Chairman of Rural Minds, discussed his passion to establish Rural Minds four years ago following the death of his nephew by suicide near the family farm. He described the high rates of mental illness in rural areas compared to urban areas, especially among farmers, who are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than other occupations. Rural communities representing 46 million people in America are facing increasing economic strain due to trade wars and tariffs that have negatively impacted agricultural foreign markets. Immigration reform has also resulted in a dramatically decreasing labor pool in rural areas, especially on farms. He also highlighted the health care access and infrastructure gaps in rural counties and the limited capacity for telehealth in rural areas. Individuals in rural areas also face higher stigma among the community regarding mental illness, making seeking treatment less likely.

Dr. Rasenick provided closing remarks and emphasized the importance of calling on members of Congress to ensure the biomedical research enterprise is supported and adequately funded.