Ongoing partnership focuses on advancing rural mental health
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Mental Health America (MHA) and West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (West Fraser) are teaming up during Mental Health Month to improve the well-being of those living in rural areas. Through their ongoing partnership, over 100,000 people across the country have benefited from critical programming and resources in support of rural mental health.
MHA, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being and illness prevention, established May as Mental Health Month in 1949 to bring awareness to a fundamental health issue that affects all of us. Since 2024, West Fraser has partnered with MHA to invest in essential mental health initiatives, supporting awareness and outreach in communities where their employees live and work. This partnership also focuses on equipping individuals in rural areas with valuable information to support their mental health journeys through a dedicated Rural Mental Health Hub.
Given the work of this partnership and the focus of this year’s Mental Health Month theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” MHA and West Fraser are encouraging rural communities to take meaningful steps toward improving mental health. They urge communities to utilize free resources, such as the free, downloadable planning guide with outreach ideas, social media assets, newsletter templates, and other resources, to guide their efforts and implement lasting change.
“Dealing with mental health concerns can be especially difficult for those living in rural communities, where access to care and stigma are persistent challenges,” said Schroeder Stribling, President and CEO of Mental Health America. “In addition to the critical work that our affiliates are doing on the ground, we hope the resources contained in this hub will help support rural residents on their mental health journeys.”
The majority of West Fraser’s renewable, wood building products manufacturing facilities are located in rural communities. While living in large, open areas can provide tranquility and comfort, it can also be isolating. Rural residents face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders than those in urban areas.
To help counter these challenges, MHA and West Fraser are supporting mental health outreach in rural areas through grants to MHA affiliates in Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas, Minnesota, and Alabama. Affiliates have used the funding for everything from expanding mental health education in schools to updating and distributing mental health awareness handbooks with resources throughout the community.
“At West Fraser, we believe Mental Health is health, and that it is important to help remove stigma and increase access to support resources,” said Sean McLaren, President and CEO of West Fraser. “By partnering with Mental Health America, we are able to expand the range of mental health services for Americans living in rural communities, where many of our operations are located.”
About Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-driven nonprofit dedicated to promotion of mental health, well-being, and prevention. Mental Health America’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of whole person health, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; and integrated care, services and supports for those who need them. Learn more at MHAnational.org.
About West Fraser
West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 50 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, which promotes sustainable forest practices in its operations. The Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals. West Fraser’s products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials. For more information about West Fraser, visit: westfraser.com.
