Description

In this episode, we unpack key insights from the VitAL Alabama Conference in collaboration with the National Association of Rural Mental Health (NARMH) held in Tuscaloosa. From Johnny Manziel’s story of resilience to Dr. Ashley Norwood Strickland’s approach to ensuring mental health access in rural areas, we explore the diversity of rural America and the unique mental health challenges faced by first responders, farmers, and justice-involved individuals. With discussions on rural 988 implementation, suicide prevention, and maternal health, this episode highlights innovative approaches to building stronger, healthier rural communities.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover effective strategies for navigating behavioral health systems and advocating for improved access to mental health services.
• Explore the unique impact of rural settings on mental health access and gain insights into overcoming these challenges.
• Uncover innovative strategies for improving mental health services in rural areas, empowering you to make a difference in your community.
• Embrace the role of technology in behavioral health and learn how it can revolutionize mental health care in rural settings.
• Gain a deep understanding of the challenges in rural healthcare infrastructure and unlock potential solutions for better mental health support in these areas.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to Behavioral Health
00:02:32 - Defining Rural Communities
00:05:59 - Trauma-Informed Approaches in Rural Communities
00:07:04 - Mental Health First Aid for Law Enforcement
00:11:10 - Delivering a Justice-Involved Message
00:12:13 - Breaking Down Silos in Mental Health Services
00:13:21 - Lack of Representation in Law Enforcement
00:15:45 - Challenges of Implementing 988 Crisis Response
00:17:53 - Diversity and Cultural Competency
00:23:35 - Impactful Collaboration and Community Engagement
00:24:19 - Impact of Conferences
00:25:03 - Networking and Helping Others
00:26:11 - Projects in Focus
00:27:31 - Importance of Self-Care
00:29:04 - Future Conference and Involvement

Links:

• https://clinicalpsychauburn.com/staff/dr-ashley-norwood-strickland/
• https://www.agrisafe.org/healthcare/mental-health/
• https://988ga.org/resource/988-in-georgia-overview-updated-overview-sheet
• https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/georgia-suicide-prevention-plan
• https://vitalalabama.com/
• https://www.narmh.org/
• https://www.narmh.org/index.php/conferences/

Connect with us: 

https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ 

https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners

https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZZ07dJ0aDZY