D4 - Risks of Being Rural: Tailored Mental Health Resources for Rural Communities

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT

Location: Bluebird 3A

Join us to explore how the unique identity, culture and resources of rural communities affect mental health and strategies to meet these needs. With limited access to mental health professionals—65% of rural counties lack psychiatrists, and 47% have no psychologists—schools often bear the responsibility of supporting student wellbeing without sufficient resources. Attendees will explore interdisciplinary approaches, including integrating mental health support in schools, using virtual tools, and building strong community-based networks to promote resilience and self-care.

Learning Objectives:

Examine the latest research on mental health disparities in rural communities and analyze challenges unique to rural schools.
Implement strategies to integrate mental health support into existing school frameworks, including scalable tools and resources tailored for rural students, educators, and families.
Develop actionable steps to enhance human connection, strengthen protective factors, and ensure every student, regardless of location, has access to mental health support.

Disclosure(s):

Grace Brown, BA: No financial relationships to disclose

Jenna Trowbridge: No financial relationships to disclose

Breakout Presenter(s)

GB

Grace Brown, BA

Director of Curriculum & Program Development
Cook Center for Human Connection
Pleasant Grove, Utah

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Jenna Trowbridge

Director, School & Community Advocacy
Cook Center for Human Connection
Thornton, Colorado

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose