Our mission is to serve as the informed voice for mental health in rural America, and to provide mental health information and resources. We are working to confront mental health challenges in rural communities and the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

As we move into the summer months, I continue to be inspired by the growing momentum behind our mission and the many people, organizations, and communities helping to advance mental health awareness in rural America.

In this issue, you’ll see examples of how conversations around rural mental health continue to expand – from our latest webinar that focused on reducing stigma in farm communities, to partnerships, interviews, and events that are providing education, understanding, and hope to people across the country. You’ll also find stories that remind us why our mission matters and how powerful it can be when individuals find the courage to share their experiences.

At Rural Minds, we know that progress happens when people feel seen, heard, and supported. Every conversation started, every resource shared, every event hosted, and every partnership formed helps move us closer to a future where no one in rural America feels alone when facing mental health challenges.

I’m deeply grateful to you – our partners and supporters – for helping us continue this important work. Your commitment strengthens our efforts and expands our ability to reach more individuals and families with life-saving information and resources.

With gratitude,

A recording of the latest Rural Mental Health Connections webinar – “Removing Stigma & Building Mental Wellness in Farm Communities” – is now available. With authentic insights that can benefit anyone, we are especially pleased to invite you to share this content personally with your family, friends, or colleagues; or professionally by distributing it in your organization’s newsletter or featuring it as a resource on your website. 

During this one-hour webinar, you hear from two farmers who are helping to grow positive change in rural communities:



Together, they share real stories and practical strategies to break stigma and support mental wellness in farm communities.

Rural Minds Founder and Chairman Jeff Winton is featured in the new Roadtrip Nation documentary series, “Where Wellbeing Grows,” airing on PBS stations nationwide and streaming online.

In Episode 1, “Our Shared Healing,” Jeff welcomes three young adults to his family dairy farm in Mayville, New York, where he shares the inspiration behind Rural Minds and discusses the importance of staying open to career and life opportunities.



The series premiered on May 1 and will air 231 times through June 10 on PBS stations, reaching 135 cities, 32 states, and 82 million households, bringing conversations around well-being to audiences nationwide.

Mental health conversations matter in agriculture — and so does reminding people they don’t have to carry the weight of the challenges alone.

Jeff recently joined an important conversation in "ProtectHER: The Weight We Carry," a special RFD-TV program hosted by FarmHER + RanchHER host Kirbe Schnoor as part of the ProtectHER initiative in partnership with Nationwide.



Alongside Jessica Cabrera of American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind and Rupa Mehta of Perfect Sundays and NaliniKIDS, Jeff Winton shared insights on the challenges many farm and ranch families face, including stress, isolation, pressure, connection, and the importance of seeking support.

Imagine, for a moment, stepping back in time... to the 1970s. A time when a woman’s voice did not carry very far, and her choices were limited long before she ever had the chance to make them.



There were no numbers to call late at night. No one asking, Are you okay? No space to say, I am not okay. What there was... was expectation. Be stronger. Be grateful. This is just the way it is.

We’re grateful to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for helping shine a light on the mental health challenges facing people living in rural America.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Jeff joined Dr. Shannon Dowler – AAFP Board Member and family physician in rural North Carolina – for a conversation about the important role family physicians play in supporting mental health in rural communities.



Their discussion focused on breaking stigma, connecting patients with mental health resources, and advocating for improved access to care for people living in rural areas.

Thank You for Helping Advance Rural Mental Health

We extend our sincere thanks to the 2026 Madison Classic Horse Show organizers, participants, sponsors, and attendees for supporting Rural Minds as a beneficiary of this prestigious event, which took place from May 21 – 24 in Madison, Wisconsin.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to help raise awareness about mental health in rural America and share our mission with the equestrian community. Together, we’re helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and connect people in rural communities with life-saving information and support.

Making an Impact Through Partnership

A heartfelt thank you to Kendra Scott for hosting a Gives Back Event benefiting Rural Minds during the 2026 Madison Classic Horse Show.

We also thank everyone who shopped online and visited the Kendra Scott pop-up during the event. Your support helps advance Rural Minds’ vital work to provide mental health education, resources, and hope to rural communities across the country.

We’re deeply grateful for your generosity and partnership in helping raise awareness and support for mental health in rural America.

Thank You for Supporting Rural Minds Through Facebook Fundraisers

We want to extend a sincere thank you to each of our Facebook followers who has already created a Facebook fundraiser to benefit Rural Minds. Your generosity and willingness to share our mission with your family and friends are helping us raise awareness and funding to support mental health in rural America. Every fundraiser – big or small – helps with our work to end the suffering, silence, and stigma surrounding mental illness in rural communities.

If you haven't hosted a Facebook fundraiser yet, we invite you to consider creating one. Facebook fundraisers are an easy and meaningful way to celebrate birthdays, honor loved ones, or simply support a cause that matters to you. By sharing why Rural Minds is important to you, you can help introduce others to our mission and make a real difference.

To learn how to create a Facebook fundraiser, visit: Facebook Fundraiser Help Center.

Here are some highlights of the events that featured Rural Minds over the last few weeks to help raise awareness of rural mental health challenges and provide actionable information and resources for confronting the mental health crisis in rural America.

On April 25, Jeff presented at the Zonta Club Spring Summit in Jamestown, NY, which focused on building a better world for women and girls.

On April 29, Jeff gave the keynote speech about mental health in rural communities to the League of Women Voters in Fredonia, NY.

On May 3, Jeff was the guest speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua County, NY.

On May 12, Rural Minds Executive Director Chuck Strand participated in an International Association of Fairs and Expos webinar, “Partnership to Raise Awareness for Mental Wellness in Rural America.”

On May 21, Chuck gave a webinar presentation for Patagonia Health: “Substance Abuse and Mental Health Challenges in Rural America.”

On May 27, Jeff gave a rural mental health presentation at the Chautauqua County Municipal Clerk’s Association monthly meeting in Celeron, NY.

On June 1, Jeff was the featured speaker at the NAMI New York State Advocacy Lunch and Learn webinar, where he discussed Rural Minds’ Farmer Mental Health Resilience Program.

Click on the links below for some of Rural Minds’ latest media coverage:

• The Post-Journal – Rural Minds PBS Documentary Airs during Mental Health Awareness Month

• KWCH 12 News – Mental Health Resources for Rural Americans and Farmers Aims to Break Stigmas

• WKBW-TV – Mayville Nonprofit Hopes to Address Growing Mental Health Crisis in Rural Communities

• Farm Progress – This Week in Agribusiness – Rural Minds Farmer Mental Health Resilience Program Highlighted

Be sure to visit the “Rural Minds in the News” webpage to see additional media coverage of Rural Minds that helps increase awareness about mental health challenges in rural America and the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Rural Minds depends on personal donations and corporate support to develop and distribute educational information and resources to improve mental health in rural America. Your donation to Rural Minds helps to provide content, programs, and media outreach that confront the mental health emergency in rural communities and the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

And now, giving is easier than ever – donations can be made through PayPal and Venmo. Thank you for helping to bring hope and support to rural communities.