The Southwest Rural Health Research Center has identified mental health concerns and addiction as the first and second most important priorities for rural health stakeholders, according to a May 2023 policy brief.
The rise in prioritization for "Mental Health and Disorders" and "Addiction," as reported by stakeholders in the Rural Healthy People 2030 survey, has dropped the priority ranking for "Health Care Access and Quality" to third. In surveys Rural Healthy People 2010 and Rural Healthy People 2020, access to healthcare was listed as the number one priority for rural America.
Other top priorities recorded in Rural Healthy People 2030, listed from most to least important, include: overweight and obesity, drug and alcohol use, nutrition and healthy eating, older adults, preventative care, diabetes, and economic stability.