This fall, Vibrant Emotional Health joined mental health partners from across the country for the 50th Annual National Association for Rural Mental Health Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. The gathering, with the theme of “Building your Bridge: Linking Voices to Promote Rural Mental Health,” featured speakers and workshops focused on rural policy, clinical practice, and effective leadership. 

Over two days, participants engaged in conversations and learned of best practices related to mental health in rural communities. Sessions included hearing from individuals with lived experience, practitioners focusing on Medicaid recipients, veterans and service members, farmers, FQHC providers, and more. Additionally, Vibrant participants learned about suicide prevention strategies for rural individuals and families and engaged with SAMHSA’s 988 Coordinating Office during a session focused on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Crisis Services updates.