From left are Ellie Nickeson, Zonta Program Committee member, and Jeff Winton of Rural Minds.

The Zonta Club of Jamestown welcomed Jeff Winton of Rural Minds as the featured speaker at its January program meeting, where members and guests learned about the unique mental health challenges facing rural communities and the work being done to address them.

Winton, a national advocate for rural mental health awareness and a Chautauqua County resident, shared insight into the barriers individuals in rural areas often face, including limited access to services, stigma surrounding mental health, and isolation. He highlighted Rural Minds’ mission to raise awareness, provide education, and connect people with resources designed specifically for rural populations.

The presentation aligned closely with Zonta International’s mission to build a better world for women and girls, particularly through advocacy, education, and service. Mental health access and awareness remain critical issues for women and families in rural areas.

At the end of the presentation, the club made a donation to Rural Minds. For more information about Rural Minds, go to ruralminds.org and to find out more about the Zonta Club of Jamestown go to zontajamestown.org.