Building networks to aid mental health strengthens communities

Mental health challenges affect individuals and families across the country, yet stigma and lack of knowledge often prevent people from seeking or offering help, especially in rural communities with fewer mental health resources. At land-grant universities across the U.S., Extension programming works to equip individuals to recognize, respond to and support those experiencing mental health or substance use issues through ongoing training and connection. This work strengthens communities by building networks and resources.

Here are a few examples of that work:

• Behavioral health resources in rural Colorado are critically limited, with every county except one designated as having a shortage of mental health professionals. Empowering these communities with the skills, knowledge and tools to address behavioral health challenges is essential for fostering resilience and improving quality of life. Extension specialists have paired screening a specially produced documentary highlighting the mental health challenges of rural agricultural communities, with workshops and trainings to build skills in recognizing and responding to behavioral distress, using a seven-question guide. Workshops were tailored to community needs, covering critical topics such as emotional awareness, setting boundaries, personal well-being, resiliency, grief, taboo topics (including suicide) and managing anxiety and depression during the winter months. Post-series surveys revealed significant personal growth and a ripple effect of positive change within the community. By equipping community members with the confidence and tools to check on others and foster emotional connections, the program is helping rural Colorado communities build resilience, reduce isolation and create a culture of care and understanding.
  Colorado State University Extension. Supported by state appropriations. See full statement.

• Concern over the state of mental health and access to care in Kentucky was identified on a needs assessment as a top priority issue in 2023, leading to partnerships between Extension and health care entities to extend the reach of relevant mental health resources via county connections. This has included an asynchronous online QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide crisis intervention program, which Extension specialists have helped promote to their respective counties through newsletters, social media, radio, TV and presence at local events, enabling this valuable educational tool to reach audiences across Kentucky. To date, 2,775 individuals have completed the online training, and more than 80 Extension specialists have received instructor trainings in an additional suicide prevention safety planning program. Overall, these partnerships increase access to mental health resources and decrease the stigma surrounding mental health crises and conditions, which can lead to a higher likelihood of individuals seeking care and sharing their mental health status with others.
  University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. See full statement.

• InMichigan, Extension specialists partnered to host the state’s first-ever Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor Summit in April 2025. Sessions focused on teaching strategies, administrative skills and community impact. Attendees reported an 11% confidence increase in teaching and coordinating MHFA following the summit. Participants also expressed appreciation for the MHFA-specific teaching tips and the opportunity to connect with fellow instructors. Feedback emphasized a greater sense of peer support, renewed motivation and a stronger desire to collaborate. By strengthening the skills, confidence and collaboration of Michigan’s MHFA instructors, MSU Extension is supporting broader access to mental health education.
  Michigan State University Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. See full statement.

• In New Mexico, Extension specialists partnered to deliver Mental Health First Aid trainings for individuals working with youth and adults. Following the training, participants reported substantial increases in confidence and preparedness. While only 50% believed they could have a supportive conversation with a youth or adult experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis prior to training, 85% reported a high likelihood afterward. All attendees strongly agreed they could respond to a substance abuse challenge or overdose situation after the training. By equipping community members with practical skills to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges, MHFA reduces stigma, strengthens early intervention and improves connections to professional support. These outcomes help prevent crises, support youth and family well-being, and build stronger, healthier communities statewide.
  New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service. See full statement.

• With some of the highest suicide rates in the country, South Dakota Extension specialists work to increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma, strengthen coping and resilience skills, and connect individuals and communities to resources. In 2025, 111 adults participated in trainings across the state, serving community members, educators, health care workers and everyday citizens who often have limited access to formal mental health training. Results showed increased knowledge of suicide warning signs, greater confidence in asking directly about suicidal thoughts and improved ability to persuade individuals to seek professional help. To expand access to information and training opportunities, SDSU Extension also launched a Mental Health First Aid webpage that provides program information, links to additional resources and an interest form to request trainings and connect directly with Extension program leads. Together, these efforts help build more resilient families, workplaces and communities.
  South Dakota State University Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. See full statement.