Rural America often conjures images of serene farmlands and tight-knit communities, yet beneath this picturesque surface lies a significant crisis: skyrocketing suicide rates.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates in rural areas have consistently surpassed those in urban environments for the past two decades, and alarmingly, they are climbing at a much faster rate.
Both Utah and Idaho have found themselves among the top 15 states for the highest annual suicide rates among both adults and youth.
The root of this issue lies not in the prevalence of mental illness—which remains similar between rural and urban populations—but in the lack of access to mental health care, a pressing barrier for those living in rural communities.
The National Rural Health Association highlights that access barriers—including distance to care locations, provider availability, cost, and stigma—are significant contributors to the alarming suicide rates observed in these areas.
In response to this crisis, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute is determined to address these challenges comprehensively, striving to improve care parity for underserved populations and expand mental health access across rural America.
The University of Utah and Idaho State University recognized the urgency of this problem, particularly given the stark scarcity of mental health care providers in rural areas, often referred to as “health care deserts.”
After years of planning, which involved collaboration among health care leaders from both institutions, a specialized rural track program for psychiatric residents was established.
During the first two years, residents participate in the Adult Psychiatry program primarily based in Salt Lake City, focusing on general medicine skills and gaining experience through essential inpatient and subspecialty psychiatric rotations.
In their third year, these residents transition to Pocatello, Idaho, where they continue to refine their psychiatric skills, engaging in outpatient training and honing their interests.
By their fourth year, residents can tailor their experiences according to personal passions, building a more individualized training experience.
Notably, the rural track has effectively doubled the number of psychiatrists available in the area and established mental health consultation services across various hospitals.
Previously, rural residents had access to only a limited number of mental health care sites, but the program has successfully expanded this to over ten accessible locations, making significant strides in addressing the mental health care needs of local populations.
Despite the acute need for mental health professionals in rural communities, the rural track remains one of the few programs of its kind nationwide, and interest has soared since its inception.
The number of applicants for the program has tripled, with only three spots currently available despite receiving over 550 applications last year.
Dr. Beth Botts, Associate Training Director for the rural track, believes the model can serve as an example for similar initiatives: “We can offer the best of both worlds for trainees who want in-depth experience in inpatient and consult psychiatry alongside exposure to subspecialties like addiction, geriatrics, and forensics.”
As residents immerse themselves in the community of rural Idaho, the likelihood of them remaining in the area post-training increases, fostering stability in local mental health care availability.
While strengthening the rural mental health workforce is essential for the long-term solution to this crisis, immediate measures are necessary to extend mental health services now.
Recognizing this urgent need, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute has committed itself to developing innovative approaches that enhance service accessibility through collaborative efforts.
One such initiative is the CALL-UP program, launched in partnership with the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health, which offers statewide phone consultations made available to primary healthcare providers.
This program connects rural doctors to psychiatrists to offer guidance on treating patients with mild to moderate mental health issues, all at no cost to the providers or the patients.
The CALL-UP program has already begun making a difference in underserved communities: while rural Utahns only account for 10% of the state’s population, they represent 17% of all consultation calls received, demonstrating the program’s crucial support for rural practitioners.
In 2023, to combat the stigma that surrounds mental health in tight-knit rural communities, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute collaborated with the Ad Council to launch a national communications campaign titled “Love, Your Mind.”
The campaign’s goal is to normalize mental health conversations and help individuals connect with necessary resources.
To address the unique challenges faced by rural Americans, particularly in the context of mental health, the campaign featured World Champion Bareback Rider Kaycee Feild in its initial public service announcement, which was followed by three additional ads targeting rural demographics.
These efforts have yielded impressive outcomes, with the campaign generating over 92 million impressions across television and radio platforms in a bid to encourage open dialogues about mental health.
In 2021, further emphasizing the importance of research in shaping effective mental health interventions, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute collaborated with the University of Utah’s College of Education to establish the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative.
The initiative aims to better understand the mental health challenges faced by children and adults alike within school systems.
By focusing on early detection and intervention strategies, the research endeavors to improve functional outcomes for students experiencing mental health issues, ultimately minimizing the necessity for elevated levels of care down the line.
This ongoing commitment to tackling the mental health crisis in rural areas reflects a broader awareness and readiness to build sustainable solutions for the well-being of these communities.
image source from：healthcare
