Kansas Farm Bureau has named Crystal Bashford of Morton County and Dalton Black of Harvey and Marion counties as the 2026 recipients of the Rural Minds Matter (RMM) Advocate of the Year awards.
This is the third year of the program, which was established to recognize Kansans who demonstrate outstanding leadership, compassion and commitment to improving mental health awareness and support in rural communities.
In rural regions, access to mental health resources can often be limited, making the advocacy of individuals particularly crucial. By destigmatizing mental health, raising awareness and implementing inclusive strategies, these advocates play a pivotal role in fostering improved well-being within their communities.
“We are proud to recognize the dedication of those working to break the stigma surrounding mental health in rural areas,” says Glenn Brunkow, KFB president. “Their efforts are instrumental in fostering awareness, support and change, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions.”
Bashford, a K-State Extension agent in Morton County, was named the Above 35 Advocate of the Year. She co-founded and coordinates a countywide Community Coalition that established three 988 crisis-support buildings, each with a direct-dial 988 phone, opioid overdose treatment and community blessing cabinet. Her work has helped reduce stigma, increase mental health literacy and bring crisis resources into everyday rural life.
Black, executive director of United Way of Harvey and Marion counties, was named Young Advocate of the Year. He secured and directs a suicide prevention grant supporting QPR (question, persuade and refer) training, suicide risk screening, bilingual awareness and expanded 988 resources. He also launched a barrier-free Resource Navigation program connecting individuals to crisis and behavioral health services in trusted, nonclinical settings.
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