Raising awareness about the mental health crisis and increasing suicides facing rural America is at the center of a new free resource released by a Christian college–based training hub.
Spiritual First Aid, a program developed by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute (HDI) at Wheaton College, is offering a ready-to-use, research-based slide deck designed to help churches, community groups and individuals understand and respond to the unique pressures facing rural communities. The resource highlights key challenges, community strengths and practical steps faith-based groups can take to support neighbors in distress.
The Rural Mental Health Presentation Slide Deck offers comprehensive information, including common challenges such as farm stress, isolation and limited access to care; strengths of rural communities, such as strong social bonds and faith-based support; the vital role of churches in promoting mental and emotional well-being; and how peer support and Spiritual First Aid are already being used in rural areas to help.
“The Rural Mental Health Presentation is a free slide deck resource for everyday helpers, churches, or organizations who actively live, work, or minister in rural areas that can be used to help raise awareness and equip volunteers, students, and each other in our understanding of rural mental health challenges,” Kelly Cox, Operations & Executive Support Specialist, told Christian Daily International.
“The purpose of the slide deck, as shown on slide 3 of the presentation, is to ‘Explore the unique challenges of rural mental health by identifying both the disparities and strengths in these settings, sharing practical, evidence-informed, and faith-integrated strategies, and highlighting the vital role that churches and Spiritual First Aid can play.’ The full presentation has 29 slides complete with possible steps forward and content references.”
Cox encouraged people to download the free resource for their own use or share it with others who might benefit from it.
“Whether you are giving a talk in your community, hosting a church event, training volunteers, or teaching students, this ready-to-present slide deck equips you to grow your understanding or to raise awareness by sharing with others,” wrote Jamie Aten, co-founder of Spiritual First Aid, in a newsletter to supporters.
Data from several authorities show the importance of such resources becoming available in rural areas.
The 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that 22.9% of non metropolitan adults suffered a mental illness and 5.5% struggled with suicidal thoughts.
More than 60% of rural Americans live in designated “Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas" (HPSAs), according to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Recognizing the mounting mental health strain within farming communities, U.S. lawmakers have also launched an initiative aimed at strengthening support systems and expanding access to care for agricultural workers and rural families.
