CLINTON, La. (BRPROUD) — A groundbreaking program is addressing the mental health needs of rural communities across the state. The Rural Connection for Rural Resilience initiative, launched by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, provides free mental health services to farmers and rural adult residents who often face significant challenges accessing care. These communities are particularly vulnerable, with research showing they are more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Dr. Ashlyn Rae Harrison, a mental health specialist at the Southern University Agricultural Center, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue. “Farmers and people who live in rural areas are more likely to commit suicide or die by suicide,” Harrison said. In response, the Rural Connection for Rural Resilience program aims to offer immediate support to adults in rural communities while creating long-term, sustainable impacts.  Baton Rouge nurse named to ‘Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana’ list “The Rural Connection for Rural Resilience program is focused on making mental health services accessible and breaking down barriers associated with seeking help,” Harrison said. The program connects rural residents with licensed professionals through teletherapy, making it accessible from any internet-capable device. In addition to therapy and counseling, the initiative offers a mobile unit equipped with Wi-Fi and computers, providing on-site connectivity for individuals in areas with limited access to technology. “This mobile unit ensures that we can give those individuals the needed access to connectivity,” Harrison said. As the program takes off, organizers are hopeful that it will not only provide immediate mental health support but also build a foundation for healthier and more resilient rural communities in the long run. The program ends July 2025. Latest News Finding gas in Florida after Milton will be a challenge, analyst says Video: Wind tears roof off Tropicana Field, home of the Rays 5 takeaways from the Arizona Senate debate Video: Hurricane Milton sucks water out of Tampa Bay 'Multiple fatalities' at senior community after tornado outbreak in Florida: reports