Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program - ABSTRACT Project Title: Rural Mental Health Network Tarleton State University 1333 W. Washington Street Stephenville, TX 76401 www.tarleton.edu Proposed Service Regions in Texas: Brown County, Comanche County, Erath County Network Name: Rural Mental Health Network The Rural Mental Health Network (RMHN) is a strategic initiative focused on increasing access to mental health services, strengthening workforce capacity, and creating a sustainable framework for rural care. By promoting collaboration among healthcare providers, social service agencies, and local stakeholders, RMHN aims to establish a coordinated, patient-centered system that integrates services and addresses long-standing disparities in rural mental health care. Through structured planning, network development, and policy advocacy, RMHN will identify critical gaps in mental health infrastructure in three HRSA-designated rural areas—Brown, Comanche, and Erath—to improve mental health outcomes for underserved populations. The initiative will emphasize knowledge sharing, best practice implementation, and the establishment of data-sharing protocols, referral pathways, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This integrated approach will foster a sustainable, patient-centered behavioral health model for more effective service coordination and long-term support. With this planning grant, RMHN will create a sustainable mental health network that enhances capacity, streamlines service delivery, and expands access in target counties. By bringing together key partners, including Tarleton State University, Comanche County Medical Center, Accel Health, and the Center for Life Resources, this initiative will encourage regional collaboration and improve access to vital mental health services in underserved communities. Guided by the UT Houston’s Health Equity Collective, known for its collective impact models in addressing disparities, RMHN will establish a foundation for long-term regional mental health support and care. Through strategic partnerships and data-driven planning, RMHN seeks to build a resilient rural mental health network that closes service gaps, enhances coordination, and improves health outcomes for communities in need in the target counties and beyond. Focus area: Mental Health; Legislative aims (all); Funding Preferences: 1. Qualification 1: Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) 2. Qualification 2: Medically Underserved Community/Populations (MUCs/MUPs)