Welcome! USDA actively collaborates across its mission areas and with other federal agencies and partners to support rural health. While many parts of USDA fund programs, conduct research or provide technical assistance related to rural health, the 2018 Farm Bill also designated a specific role for USDA in promoting rural health, the USDA Rural Health Liaison.
On this page you’ll find resources and links to help rural communities address health and factors that influence health in their communities.
Rural communities face unique challenges and barriers that impact health, such as fewer health care providers and medical facilities, farther distances to travel to care, and other factors that can influence care like transportation options, availability of healthy foods, and access to safe and secure housing. These factors are often referred to as the social determinants of health and can impact the health of individuals and the entire community.
USDA Rural Development has programs and resource guides that are developed to provide rural communities access to opportunities that create impactful solutions to improve rural health.
Other USDA Agency programs and opportunities to improve rural health:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Rural America can face unique challenges including behavioral healthcare provider shortages, lack of insurance coverage for mental healthcare services, common occupations that face additional challenges such as agriculture, construction, and health and social services where physical and mental stresses along with stigma around seeking care can increase the risk and impact of behavioral health challenges. This month, Rural Development is highlighting three organizations that provides education, tools, and support to employers to help their employees’ mental health.
USDA RD RWIN’s May Special Webinar for Mental Health Awareness Month: “Mental Health in the Rural Workplace”. Speakers from Recovery Friendly Workplace- New Hampshire, American Farm Bureau Federation, and Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention will share information about how their programs and resources can support employers' and employees' mental health in rural workplaces.
Tuesday, May 21, 1:30-3pm ET | Registration
The following links include tools and resources to help rural community leaders, industry, educators, and others to understand the challenges and programs available to support rural health for individuals and communities.
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