| Abstrakt: |
Individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI) living in rural areas face unique challenges to community inclusion and participation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate barriers to participation in rural areas and discuss potential strategies to mitigate them. We conducted a qualitative analysis of responses from 87 individuals attending the Pennsylvania Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services annual conference. Participants were randomly assigned to groups and asked to provide written answers to the questions: (1) What are the barriers to participation in rural areas? and (2) What are the facilitators to participation in rural areas? The barriers cited by participants corresponded with those most cited in the literature, such as transportation, a lack of resources, and stigma. While some might believe nothing can be done to address these issues, participants were able to suggest several strategies to overcome barriers and promote participation at the policy, program, and practice level. The implementation of these will require concerted efforts among individuals with SMI, providers, policymakers, and others in the community, such as local businesses and advocacy groups, to bring them to fruition. |
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