Jeff Winton of Mayville, Rural Minds founder and chairman, was presented with the “Cap Creal” Communicator of the Year Award at the 193rd annual Forum of the New York State Agricultural Society.

“On behalf of the 46 million rural Americans we serve, our partners and our team members, I am honored and grateful to have received the New York State Agricultural Society’s 2025 ‘Cap Creal’ Communicator Award,” said Winton. “We appreciate the recognition and opportunity to raise awareness for rural mental health challenges and expand our work partnering with individuals and organizations to improve rural mental health.”

Suicide rates in rural America are 64% to 68% higher compared to people living in large urban areas, according to the latest research from the CDC. Confronting barriers to mental health that are unique to rural communities and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness, Rural Minds provides free information and services, along with rural mental health program initiatives on the Rural Minds website.

“Named for Harold “Cap” Creal, a farmer, New York State Agricultural Society member and New York State Assemblyman, this award is given in recognition of the importance of Jeff’s message and his effectiveness in delivering the story in New York and across the U.S.,” said Sheila A. Marshman, PhD, Division Chair for Animal and Plant Sciences and Agribusiness, and associate professor at the State University at Morrisville. “We are so pleased to recognize his notable achievements and to further advance the cause of Rural Minds to address the mental health crisis across rural America.”