Heckman named Incoming Editor of Journal of Rural Mental Health

Timothy Heckman, associate dean for research and professor of health promotion and behavior at the College of Public Health, was recently named Incoming Editor of the Journal of Rural Mental Health.

The journal is an official publication of the American Psychological Association and affiliated with the National Association of Rural Mental Health.

Heckman will begin a five-year term as editor in 2020, during which time he hopes to elevate the visibility and impact of rural mental health research to support the work of public health researchers and practitioners, policymakers, and rural-based community-based organizations.

“My goal is for the journal to play an important role in enabling rural persons to access evidence-based and affordable mental health services,” said Heckman.

As rural health care organizations continue to close, residents are losing access to mental health care, which can lead to harmful personal and public health consequences.

Through his role as editor, Heckman aims to disseminate research that can contribute to contemporary discussions regarding how rural mental health relates to gun violence, alcohol and substance use, opioid abuse and addiction, suicide, and migrant health, among others, as well as exploring ways to grow the behavioral health workforce in rural communities.

– Lauren Baggett

Posted May 11, 2018.

Additional coverage at ASPPH Friday Letter.

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