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News Brief

May 28, 2025

Mental health of the youth in rural America is a concern for our region

1 in 4 will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As it draws to a close, professionals are discussing the needs of youth in rural America, where suicide can be a leading cause of death. In Nebraska, suicide is the second highest cause of death amongst young men. The same is true in Missouri.

The Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition's President Quinn Lewandowski says the state is working to make resources available for people who need help. His coalition is considering the importance of early intervention, he said.

"Taking a look at how were are identifying, screening folks for suicide, how were assessing them if their screenings were positive.", says Lewandowski. 

Talking about mental health is a first step, Lewandowski added. Reducing stigma around mental health makes it easier for those who are suffering to ask for help. The national suicide prevention hotline can be reached by text or phone call at 866.