News  Rural Health

New Program Targets Mental Health Crisis Among Rural Youth

Rural Minds is expanding mental health resources developed with young people in rural communities.

September 04, 2026 08:30 AM • 
Neal Burnette-Irwin

MAYVILLE, N.Y. (RFD News) — A new nationwide program is working to address higher suicide rates among young people in rural America.

Rural Minds Founder and Chairman Jeff Winton joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the Rural Youth Mental Wellness Program.

Winton said recent CDC data shows rural youth ages 15 to 19 are 74% more likely to die by suicide than their urban peers.

The program includes an online mental health intervention developed with Northwestern University and specifically designed with input from rural youth before being rolled out nationwide.

Winton founded Rural Minds following the suicide of his nephew, Brooks, a dairy farmer who he said had been struggling in silence.

LEARN MORE: https://www.ruralminds.org/rural-youth-mental-wellness-program

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Neal Burnette-Irwin
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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