Spread word on rural mental health needs

Re: "State leaders announce mental health grant program for farm groups," Aug. 29:

This important article was recently published, but I feel the magnitude of the topic should be emphasized as much as possible. The article was notifying the public that grants would be available for mental health awareness in rural communities. It briefly touched on the need in rural areas and the presence of the stigma around mental health care in those communities.

Eighty percent of Illinois is farmland and 62 of the 102 counties in Illinois are considered rural. According to the 2020 census, the population in rural communities is growing while urban areas are declining. A large geographic region of our state with a growing population is underserved. The health disparities people living in rural areas face have resulted in challenges providing ample care for opioid abuse, mental health services and ability to care for an aging population.

As a health care worker at a primary care practice in a rural county, I hear patients' stories of long wait lists and limited resources for mental health constantly. It takes a lot of courage and bravery for a patient to ask for help in a time of darkness. The patient could be lost in the months of waiting before they finally see a mental health professional.

The monetary amount of the grants is allotted to raise awareness and break the stigma around mental health issues. We must continue to get the word out and provide media coverage, so people know these funds are available and they are effectively used. Then the momentum needs to keep growing to grow the number of mental health professionals in rural areas.

Thank you for the opportunity to spread the knowledge and help lessen the stigma.

Amber Frykman

Cortland