Why Early Childhood? Why Rural?

80% of brain development occurs in the first three years of life.

Investments in early childhood have the greatest return by strengthening family supports and preventing symptom progression, reducing long-term burden on health care and social support systems.

Rural children are particularly at risk.

Rural communities have many strengths, but often experience health professional shortages. In comparison to urban counterparts, rural children in the US are more likely to experience many factors associated with negative mental health outcomes, including: