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.

This October marks a meaningful milestone for Rural Minds – our fourth anniversary as a rural mental health nonprofit. From the start in 2021, we had a bold vision: to break the silence and end the stigma surrounding mental illness in rural America. What gave me hope then – and what continues to inspire me today – is the strength and resilience of the people who live in rural communities.

Over the past four years Rural Minds has:

• Expanded access to life-changing mental health information and resources for individuals and families in rural communities. 

• Given a voice to individuals who bravely share their stories of struggling and confronting a mental health challenge, inspiring hope for countless others in rural America.

• Brought national attention to the urgency of the mental health crisis rural residents in this country face, and amplified the voice of rural America for decision makers in our government. 

As you’ll read in this newsletter, in just the last month our media outreach has intensified – including my letter to the editor that was recently published in The Washington Post and several interviews with the BBC (listed below). This increase in media interview requests is likely a direct result of the decisions being made in Washinton that are disproportionately impacting the 46 million people in rural communities for whom we advocate.

As we celebrate this anniversary, I’m filled with both gratitude and determination. All that we have accomplished thus far would not have been possible without the dedicated Rural Minds team and you, our partners and supporters, who have joined us on this journey.



Together, we are building a future where mental health is openly discussed, resources are within reach, and no one in rural America feels alone in their struggles.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Last week, Jeff represented the 46 million people of rural America on the global stage at Boehringer Ingelheim’s 2025 Global Mental Health Community Summit in Wiesbaden, Germany. 

The summit brought together leading mental health advocates, experts, and community organizations from around the world to discuss how to create more effective and compassionate mental healthcare systems that truly center on the individual.

At the summit, Jeff shared the mission of Rural Minds and highlighted two new Rural Minds programs developed with the generous support of Boehringer Ingelheim: 

• Rural Youth Mental Wellness Program – Currently in a pilot phase that is soon to launch in New York and Pennsylvania, this online hub offers young people mental health resources, social support tools, and honest conversations about the challenges they face today. A national rollout is planned for 2026. 

• Rural Veterinary Profession Sustainability Program – Now in Phase 1, this initiative is assessing the unique mental health needs of veterinary students and practitioners to better address gaps in existing support systems in rural communities.

Reflecting on his experience at the summit, Jeff observed: “I am reenergized and have an elevated sense of commitment and resolve. I will apply the knowledge I have acquired to the work we are doing through Rural Minds for mental health equity across the country for all rural Americans.” 

And thanks to Jeff’s participation, Rural Minds has helped ensure that the voices and experiences of rural communities were part of the global dialogue on mental health – strengthening connections that will help bring greater understanding, resources, and hope to rural America.

Over the last few weeks, Jeff has been featured on three segments of BBC News World Service, helping to bring international attention to the urgent need for support, resources, and open dialogue around mental health in rural America:

• On September 19, Jeff and Pennsylvania State Grange President Matt Espenshade joined host Roger Hearing on BBC World Business Report. During the interview, Jeff and Matt highlighted the ongoing farm economic crisis and trade disruptions, and how these issues are not only threatening the livelihoods of farmers but also taking a serious toll on the mental health of people living in rural communities.

• On October 3, Jeff and fourth-generation corn and soybean farmer Barb Kalbach joined host Andrew Peach on BBC World Service’s World Business Report. During the interview, they discussed the impact of tariffs on market stability, unpredictability due to trade disruption, the ongoing economic crisis in American agriculture, and the effect of these challenges on the mental health of farmers and rural communities.

• On October 10, BBC World Service’s World Business Express host Sarah Rodgers interviewed Jeff about the impact of American soybean farmers losing ground to Argentina in the global market, the lack of soybean sales to China, the uncertainty and urgency of fiscal aid for farmers from the federal government, and how these issues are affecting the mental health of farmers and rural communities.

Life on a family farm may look peaceful with the wide-open fields, deep connection to nature, a consistent routine, a slower pace compared to busy cities, and more. But for Jeremy McChesney, those same fields carry the emotional weight of experiencing loss, financial pressure, family struggles, and years of silent mental battles. His story is proof that even in rural communities, the fight for mental stability can be the hardest, yet the most crucial battle.

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.

Special thanks to Heidi Bornemann of the Dutchess County Pomona Grange #32, who developed an impactful Rural Minds exhibit for the Dutchess County Fair that took place from August 19 - 24 in Rhinebeck, NY.

On September 8, Rural Minds Program & Communications Manager Patrick Fannon gave a presentation at the Ringoes Grange No. 12 in Ringoes, NJ.

On September 26, Rural Minds Executive Director Chuck Strand appeared on the Mental Health Matters Podcast – which is offered in partnership with NAMI-Southern Oregon – to discuss mental health wellness in rural regions. Listen to the podcast here.

On October 16, Rural Minds Executive Director Chuck Strand co-presented results from a survey that assessed rural populations’ perception towards prescription digital therapeutics at the Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C. Read about the survey here.

On October 16, Rural Minds Vice President of Communications Julie Lux participated in a Caregiver Action Network webinar – “From Stigma to Support: A Caregiver's Role in Mental Health Care and Substance Use Recovery:” Watch the webinar here.

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

• The Washington Post – Jeff’s Letter to the Editor: “Pharma to Table”

• Milken Institute Health – One Organization’s Focus on Mental Health in Rural America: Reducing Stigma and Increasing Access to Care for a Population Defined by Its Resilience

• The Post-Journal – Government Lacks the Courage to Do the Right Thing

• Observer-Reporter – New Survey Shows Rural Pennsylvanians Face Lack of Mental Health Care

• The Post-Journal – Rural Minds Nonprofit to Be Featured in Public Broadcasting Documentary

• Lancaster Farming – National Nonprofit Helps Rural Youths Prevent Suicide

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 provides content and programs at no charge to help confront the mental health emergency in rural communities and the stigma that surrounds mental illness.