Partnering for Progress: Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Response in Rural North Carolina Through Faith-based Training

Background: Mental health concerns affect millions of Americans annually; further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Rural areas face unique challenges due to limited access to mental health care, augmented by social disparities and cultural stigma. Methods: Leveraging partnerships with local organizations, this project implemented the Empower training program to equip community members with skills and resources to identify and respond to mental health crises. Outcomes and Lessons Learned: Post-intervention survey results showed improved knowledge and confidence among participants in mental health crisis intervention. Lessons learned included the importance of involving trusted community members in marketing and program design, the value of partnerships in bringing mental health training into community spaces, and the use of low-cost, pre-existing resources to support sustainability. Conclusions: Programs that train community members to recognize and respond to mental health crises and promote mental health resources can help address limited mental health resources in rural communities.