ACRMC’s Senior Life Solutions addresses mental health in rural communities

Senior Life Solutions

Adams County Regional Medical Center and Senior Life Solutions are spreading awareness of challenges of receiving mental health access in rural areas during the month of May. While mental illnesses have a similar prevalence in both rural and urban environments, the circumstances and access to treatment look different. The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) tells us that rural residents face more obstacles in obtaining behavioral health services. As a result, distinct mental health differences are seen rurally compared to urban residents.

Studies have also shown that the risk of suicide is higher in rural areas, making it that much more vital that individuals seek out and have access to help. The Rural Health Information Hub states, "suicide rate is near twice as great in the most rural areas of the U.S. compared to the most urban areas."

“Everyone deserves access to quality mental health care” Senior Life Solutions, Peggy Reeder, OPC. “Helping as many people as possible get the help and treatment they need is what we work towards every day.”

Figuring out a solution starts with identifying the problem. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights the following barriers to receiving mental health care in rural areas:

  • Lack of Privacy – Individuals living in rural locations commonly identify a lack of privacy barrier to receiving treatment.
  • Lack of culturally appropriate treatment – Culturally appropriate treatment accommodates clients' beliefs and practices, preferred languages, individual and family histories, differences in symptoms, and preferred treatment approaches.
  • Lack of Services – Even when individuals living in rural locations want treatment, they may have few services and providers in their areas. They may have less access than urban residents to evidence-based practices (EBPs).
  • Lack of Practitioners – Rural areas have few behavioral health practitioners, particularly ones who are qualified to provide specialty treatment or EBPs. More than 75 percent of all U.S. counties are mental health shortage areas, and half of all U.S. counties have no mental health professionals.
  • Evidence-Based Practices – Some research shows that behavioral health facilities in rural areas are more likely than their urban counterparts to be independently operated and less likely to collaborate with a university to train providers on EBPs. At the same time, most studies that support EBPs are not conducted in rural areas or on rural populations.

Recently, solutions such as telehealth have helped increase access to mental health care for rural Americans, making treatment more obtainable. Along with these incredible technological advances, one thing we can all do to help improve access to mental health is simply talking about it. Talking about mental health can open the door for people to feel more comfortable and less afraid to seek help.

The American Psychiatric Association says, "Research shows that knowing or having contact with someone with mental illness is one of the best ways to reduce stigma. Individuals speaking out and sharing their stories can have a positive impact. When we know someone with mental illness, it becomes less scary and more real and relatable."

Senior Life Solutions at Adams County Regional Medical Center is designed to meet the unique needs of individual’s typically 65 and older experiencing depression and/or anxiety related to life changes that are often associated with aging. If you or someone you know is struggling with a recent heart-related diagnosis or a decline in emotional health, Senior Life Solutions wants you to know they are here to help.

Whether through the program, or another service, the Senior Life Solutions team works to identify and address the emotional needs and provide support to those in the Adams and Brown county region.

For more information, education, or would like to discuss support, please call 937-386-3900 or visit acrmc.com/senior-life-solutions.

About Adams County Regional Medical Center

Adams County Regional Medical Center is a 25-bed critical access hospital located near Seaman, Ohio, just 60 miles east of Cincinnati. Adams County Regional Medical Center is a viable and growing state-of-the-art health care facility meeting the needs of Adams County and the surrounding communities, providing a full range of services, including inpatient and outpatient amenities. Adams County Regional Medical Center is Joint Commission certified, focusing on the importance of patient care and organized functions that are essential to providing safe, high-quality care.