A mental health response to COVID-19

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri is addressing the stigma related to seeking mental health services in rural communities in partnership with the Episcopal Relief & Development in response to COVID-19. Rural men between the ages of 35 and 44 have triple the statewide suicide mortality rate. The stigma surrounding mental health issues is enormous in rural communities and even in communities with adequate resources, rural individuals, especially rural men, are unlikely to reach out for help. In Boone and Randolph Counties, the diocese offered a mental health first aid training to individuals in the rural community who are dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.