Advocacy

Providing behavioral health services can be challenging in rural areas due to factors such as accessibility, availability, affordability, and even acceptability. While the prevalence of mental illness is similar between rural and urban residents, the services available can be very different. Mental healthcare needs are often not met in many rural communities across the country because due to lack of adequate services. These struggles also apply to substance-use disorders in rural communities. In conjunction with access to services, it is important to address social determinants, such as employment and housing stability, insurance status, proximity to services, culturally responsive care – all of which have an impact on behavioral health outcomes. We encourage you to utilize the following advocacy materials when advocating for rural behavioral health.