WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a collaborative move across party lines, Representatives Dave Taylor (OH-02), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Don Davis (NC-01) reintroduced the Rural Wellness Act on March 6, 2025. This bipartisan legislation focuses on enhancing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment services in rural areas, emphasizing the development of facilities and programs crucial for addressing the growing mental health challenges within these communities.
The Rural Wellness Act mandates that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prioritize projects that focus on behavioral and mental health services when selecting grantees for certain rural development programs. Notable provisions include the extension of set-asides for substance use disorder treatment through Fiscal Year 2028, and significant enhancements to the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, which will now also support telehealth services.
Furthermore, the legislation strengthens the Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program by prioritizing behavioral and mental health education and treatment grants. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program will also see a 17% set-aside specifically for telemedicine projects that address substance use disorders.
Support for the bill has been robust, with endorsements from organizations like the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), which highlights the legislation’s potential to significantly improve access to necessary health services for rural populations. The bill’s focus on expanding telehealth capabilities is particularly noteworthy as it seeks to remove geographical barriers to healthcare access, which can be critical in sparsely populated areas.
Congressman Taylor commented on the urgency of addressing these issues within his district, noting, “There is a devastatingly high rate of mental health challenges and substance abuse in our Nation, and where a person lives shouldn’t dictate their ability to access critical health care services. Tragically, Ohio’s Second Congressional District has the highest rate of unintentional drug overdoses in our entire state. I am proud to help lead the reintroduction of the Rural Wellness Act to increase access to behavioral telehealth services and substance abuse treatment for rural Americans.”
Echoing Taylor’s sentiments, Congresswoman Budzinski emphasized the role of telemedicine in overcoming rural healthcare barriers, stating, “No one should have to travel hours just to visit the doctor, and telemedicine is an efficient way to reduce the barriers to care so often faced by rural communities. I’m proud to be working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce legislation to expand access to this technology while prioritizing care for mental and behavioral health, as these challenges impact countless folks across the country – no matter where you live. I’ll always fight to ensure that rural residents can receive the high-quality, accessible care they deserve.”
Congressman Finstad highlighted the transformative impact of telehealth services, especially in remote areas, “Access to telehealth in rural communities has been life-changing for those who would otherwise have a difficult time traveling long distances to the nearest medical facility. I joined Congresswoman Budzinski in reintroducing the Rural Wellness Act to ensure residents of southern Minnesota have access to timely, high-quality healthcare through expanded telemedicine services.”
Lastly, Congressman Davis added, “Community mental health services in rural America must be more accessible and available, as they are in other areas of the country. The Rural Wellness Act prioritizes behavioral and mental health services for rural communities and ensures we are not leaving behind those who need to seek help.”
The Rural Wellness Act represents a critical step forward in making mental health care more accessible, aiming to equalize the availability of essential services across the urban-rural divide. This legislative effort underscores the bipartisan commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in rural America, where residents have historically faced significant challenges in accessing care.