The Rural Wellness Act seeks to enhance behavioral and mental health services in rural communities by adjusting certain rural development programs. It extends the existing set-aside and priority for projects addressing substance abuse disorder from 2025 to 2029, ensuring continued federal support for these critical efforts. The bill also introduces new prioritization criteria for selecting grantees. Specifically, it mandates priority for essential community facilities direct loans and grants that develop facilities for behavioral and mental health services , including prevention, treatment, and recovery, and employ expert staff. Moreover, grants under the Rural Health and Safety Education Programs will now prioritize applicants dedicated to behavioral and mental health education and treatment.