On April 14, 2025, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania convened a public hearing to discuss the growing mental health crisis in the state’s rural areas. Lawmakers, mental health professionals, and advocates gathered to highlight the severe challenges faced by these communities, including limited access to healthcare providers, geographic isolation, and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Senator Gene Yaw, Chairman of the Center’s Board of Directors, emphasized the need to bring attention to these issues. He stated, “We’re not trying to make policy. What we want is to show what’s happening in Pennsylvania and where the problems lie.” Yaw, who previously addressed the opioid crisis, believes that similar collaborative efforts are necessary to tackle mental health issues in rural areas.
The hearing featured expert testimonies that revealed alarming trends in mental health. Dr. Nancy Falvo, a healthcare advocate and board secretary of the Center, described a significant shift in the severity of mental health conditions among patients. She noted, “Years ago, people would say, ‘I’m feeling sad.’ Now, they express thoughts of self-harm, indicating a rise in the depth of mental illness.”
Dr. Falvo also highlighted a concerning trend among younger populations, stating that even children as young as four or five are showing signs of mental health issues. She attributed some of this increase to social media dynamics, where harmful comparisons and competitive expressions of suffering among youth have become more common.
Kyle Kopko, Executive Director of the Center, provided statistics that underscored the shortage of mental health providers in rural areas. “On average, there are fewer counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists available,” he explained. “This shortage is exacerbated by a lack of training opportunities in rural settings, as there are currently no medical schools located in these areas.”
The public hearing revealed a consensus among participants that immediate action is necessary to address these challenges. Community leaders and healthcare professionals called for improved infrastructure and resources to support mental health initiatives in rural Pennsylvania. The hearing served as a platform for raising awareness and advocating for policy changes that can better meet the needs of these underserved populations.
As discussions continue, the importance of collaboration between lawmakers, mental health professionals, and community advocates remains clear. Stakeholders are urged to work together to develop effective solutions to combat the mental health crisis afflicting rural communities across Pennsylvania.
