MANHATTAN — 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 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.
“Crystal’s leadership has brought together national mental health advocacy organizations, agricultural associations and local communities to address the unique stresses facing rural families,” Brunkow says. “Her work ensures critical resources are available where they are most needed.”
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.
“Making mental health resources available in an approachable, all-encompassing way is the right step in lessening the stigma surrounding getting help,” Brunkow says. “We’re encouraged by Dalton’s commitment to bringing in community groups to make a measurable impact on families in Kansas.”
The selected recipients of both awards will receive:
- Recognition: Bashford will be honored at KFB’s Annual Meeting in December. Black will be recognized at the Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in early 2027. Both events are in Manhattan.
- Visibility: Articles featuring their mental health advocacy will appear on www.kfb.org/ruralmindsmatter and www.kansaslivingmagazine.com.
- Support: Winners receive cash prizes to be used to continue their mental health advocacy efforts.
Rural Minds Matter is Kansas Farm Bureau’s initiative to raise awareness, provide resources and reduce stigma surrounding mental health in rural Kansas. By partnering with advocates and organizations across the state, KFB works to ensure every Kansan has the support they need to thrive.
Nominations or applications for the awards require detailed information about the nominee’s involvement in mental health advocacy, challenges they’ve overcome, awareness-raising efforts, destigmatization strategies, collaborative initiatives, impacts, leadership qualities, recognitions received, testimonials and reasons for nomination.
The 2027 awards will open in January.
For more information about the Rural Minds Matter awards and Kansas Farm Bureau’s mental health initiatives, please visit www.kfb.org/ruralmindsmatter.
