Traditional rural communities are experiencing significant and, in some cases, drastic change. The stereotypical image of a rural community of prosperous farmers, vigorous small businesses, clean air and water and neat farmsteads is being severely challenged by today's economy, ecology and urbanization. This article will review some of the current statistics related to farm bankruptcies, farm accidents and stress related occupational harzards as a means of providing a background to some of the changes and challenges facing rural communities. An awareness of these issues will be related to some approaches that rural communities are taking in dealing with mental health. Three major components of this process will be examined: (1) the development and response of traditional as well as emerging rural organizations to the new demands being placed on them; (2) the changing role of adult educators and extension change agents in dealing with the new realities of rural living; and (3) the role of community development in an approach to comprehensive rural planning and the identification of problem areas. A case study of the University of Guelph's recently completed “Rural Development Outreach Project” will be presented as a means of relating how one educational institution became involved in helping several rural communities face the issue and realities of contemporary rural life. This case study will be related to new approaches to education and training for those interested in the “health” of rural communities.