Forty years ago, the nation was dealing with the onset of an historic crisis with the farm economy. Land was foreclosed, livestock were sold and people left the farm for the city.

And sadly, farmers were dying by suicide, partly because they didn't know how to deal with the impact.

It is better now, but a great deal of work remains to be done to ensure rural residents have adequate access to mental health care.

“Iowa is 45th in the nation when it comes to mental health providers per capita,” says David Brown, Extension behavioral specialist with Iowa State University. “Fifty percent of Iowans live in areas where mental health care is not very accessible. Things have gotten better, but a lot of work remains.”

Listen to Amica Simmons-Yon, PharmD, PhD as she spills the tea on mental health in rural America with special guest, Jeff Winton (Founder & Chairman of Rural Minds). During this episode, Jeff discusses the vision and mission of the non-profit organization, Rural Minds. Mr. Winton highlights the challenges and differences around mental health for those living in rural America. Lastly, he describes the future goals and initiative of Rural Minds and share key resources with listeners about this hot topic!

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the May episode of Wheat World, The National Association of Wheat Growers’ monthly podcast, focused on how to tackle the mental health crisis in rural America. Host Elizabeth Rivera spoke with Jeff Winton, President and Chairman of Rural Minds, and Nathan Lawson, Kentucky producer and mental health advocate.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Dozens gathered in Kansas City’s Hale Arena to shine a spotlight on horsemanship as well as mental health in rural America.

Jeff Winton, the founder of Rural Minds, has spent a lifetime around horses. But moreover, he has spent a lifetime around heartache.

In 2012, Jeff’s 28-year-old nephew, Brooks, died of suicide in rural America.

“When that happened it became very apparent that no one wanted to talk about it because there’s an embarrassment factor,” Jeff said. “We even had the pastor tell us that some of the people in our small town of 500 farming people, that we should make up an excuse for his death - we should have said he died in a farming accident or something.”

Forty-eight hours in September 2012 contained one of a farming family’s happiest days and one of its most tragic.

Brooks Winton’s older brother, Toby, had just gotten married, and the extended family had gathered to celebrate.

Two days later, Brooks, 28, took his own life, leaving behind a wife and 3-year-old twins.

“He gave me a big hug as I was leaving the wedding reception and said, ‘Uncle Jeff, I just want you to know I so appreciate everything you’ve done for my family and me,’” said New York dairy farmer Jeff Winton.

“I didn’t think anything of it because he was a very grateful, very appreciative young man that always went out of his way to thank people for things,” Winton said. “But little did I know he was saying goodbye to me.”

Chautauqua Sunrise with Doc Hamels

Jeff Winton of Rural Minds Discusses Mental Health Awareness Month

Often times, rural communities are overlooked when it comes to addressing mental health. Whether it is proximity to care or a different mindset when it comes to mental health—mental illness affects every type of community. Our Facebook live will discuss topics addressing mental illness and the stigma around talking about it in rural communities. Matt Smith of PreventionFocus will be moderating a panel discussion including: • Connie Desmarais, Niagara County Community Collaborations Coordinator • Jeff Winton, Founder & Chairman, Rural Minds

Cyber bullying has grown into a crisis which adds immensely to the rate of suicide deaths. The fact that a beloved Bills player was victimized shows how far this has gone, way past politics! A front-page article in the Monday paper addressed how this has brought attention to how bad this problem is. Rural Minds is a national organization based here and founded by Mayville resident, Jeff Winton, who was compelled to speak on how “unconscionable and reprehensible” the Bass threats are. Coincidently, the local League of Women Voters had just hosted an online program in which Winton presented the problem of suicide that occurs in rural areas and how Rural Minds offers help.

The period after the holidays can be difficult for many people. Jeff Winton discusses how to give some extra support to friends and loved ones during this time.

As the ag community continues working to address mental health struggles in farm country, a new online resource center is providing actionable information for rural residents. Founder of Rural Minds, Jeff Winton spoke with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander on the Rural Mental Health Resilience Program, what it has to offer, and the unique challenges that producers and rural Americans face.