Rural Minds - Addressing The Mental Health Crisis in Rural America – National Horseman
By Nina Osuna
The discussion of mental health in America has never been more important. With an estimated one in four Americans struggling with their mental health, this nationwide health crisis carries a weighty impact. Jeff Winton and his family became acutely aware of this fact when tragedy struck close to home in 2012.
Jeff grew up in a town of 500 people in rural upstate New York, where his family still resides today. As a multi-general farming family, the Wintons are incredibly close-knit. This made it even more shocking when, in 2012, Jeff's nephew Brooks passed away by suicide at the age of 28. The Winton family, which includes Brooks' fiancé and then three-year-old twin boys, was devastated by the loss. They made it their mission to preserve Brooks' memory and legacy. Jeff spent the next decade researching the mental health resources available to those in rural areas and discussing with established mental health organizations the specific needs to the rural community. These organizations encouraged Jeff to start a foundation dedicated to serving those in rural America. Finally, once he was satisfied that he was well-educated and properly equipped to help, Jeff founded Rural Minds in 2021 in Brooks' honor.