Resource Guide
Strengthening Mental Health & Wellbeing for Rural Older Adults Across New York State
Find Your Region’s State Office for…
For Community Members
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of suicide, please call or text 9-8-8 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for free, 24/7 support.
Rural Health and Aging Resource Center from AARP Senior Planet
- Live Tech Support Hotline: 888-713-3495 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-2pm EST)
- Digital tools, training, and tech support to help older adults in rural communities connect to online health information and services
Brain Health Resources from the Alzheimer’s Association
- Interactive tools and resources to support
healthy aging
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Helpline: 800-272-3900
- Provider: Alzheimer’s Association
- Free, 24/7 helpline for information, referrals, and support for people living with dementia, caregivers, family, & the public
NY Connects or 1-800-342-9871
- Provider: NYS Office for the Aging
- Free helpline & website for finding longterm services and support in NYS
Free Resources for Older Adults & Families from the NYS Office for the Aging
- Free digital tools & services for caregivers and older adults in NYS
Rural Minds is a nonprofit organization that promoting mental health and wellbeing in rural America. Their website offers free educational resources and programs designed for rural communities.
For Students & Providers
Frontline Workers Wellness Toolkit from the NYS Trauma-Informed Network & Resource Center
- Interactive wellness toolkit and resources for frontline workers & organizational leaders
Area Health Education Centers in the NYS Area Health Education Center System
- Find local healthcare pipeline & workforce development training in NYS
Service-Obligated Programs database from the Center for Health Workforce Studies
- Find scholarship, loan repayment, visa waiver, and similar programs for workers in health provider shortage areas in NYS
New York Health Careers website from the Center for Health Workforce Studies
- Access education & job information for current & future health professionals in NYS
AlzPro from the Alzheimer’s Association
- Access Alzheimer’s & other dementia trainings and resources
Understanding AGEISM from the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center & Collaborative for Advancing Rural Excellence and
Equity
- Training module on ageism
OARS Online Learning Platform offered by NYSARH & Health WorkForce NY
- Free, self-paced, on-demand training in rural, aging, and mental health topics
Toolkits & Topic Guides
Ageism in Health Care by the Gerontological Society of America
Brain Health and Dementia by the Gerontological Society of America
Advocacy & Communication Resources by the National Center to Reframe Aging
Rural Health Information Hub: a comprehensive national clearinghouse for information on rural health
- Toolkits include (among many others) Rural Healthy Aging, Mental Health in Rural Communities
- Topic guides include (among many others) Community Supports for Rural Aging in Place and Independent Living, Substance Use and Misuse in Rural Areas
Order Free Public Health Materials
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) offers free print orders of public health materials from their Publication Catalog. Fill out the NYSDOH Order Form and email to OGS.SM.GDC@OGS.NY.GOV, up to 10 different publications per order, 200 copies per publication or 10 copies per poster.
Examples of available topics include (among many others) Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer, Disability and Health, Health and Long Term Care, Long Term Care, Smoking, Vaping, and Commercial Tobacco Use
Data Tools, Research, & Reports
- Statewide Aggregate Rural Health Needs
- Assessment: Mental Health and Wellbeing reports and data tools from NYSARH
NYS Master Plan for Aging from the NYS Department of Health & Office for the Aging
NYS Prevention Agenda (2025- 2030) from the NYS Department of Health
Office of Mental Health Data Dashboards from the NYS Office of Mental Health
Rural Health Research Gateway: locate research findings, publications, and current/past projects from Rural Health Research Centers
- Topics include (among others) Aging, Mental and behavioral health, Substance use and treatment
Disclaimer: The content of this resource guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or insurance advice. Users should consult qualified professionals for advice specific to their circumstances. Information contained in this guide is subject to change and may not reflect the most current developments. The New York State Association for Rural Health makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. The New York State Association for Rural Health shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use of this guide. Inclusion of organizations, resources, or examples does not imply endorsement or agreement by the New York State Association for Rural Health.
This is not an exhaustive guide and other relevant resources may be available. Inclusion of an agency, organization, or resource in this guide does not imply affiliation with the New York State Association for Rural Health.