Multi-state farmer mental health initiative underway

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Multi-state farmer mental health initiative underway

A new federally funded initiative is addressing farmer mental health issues.  The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).  Twelve northwestern states will use 7.2 million dollars to create and expand access to financial, stress management and mental health resources for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.

Wisconsin’s Farm Center will receive over $400,000 to provide education and support to farmers, ag-related businesses, and mental health and healthcare providers.  The University of Wisconsin and UW Extension will work with the Farm Center will create farmer focus groups, develop mental health provider training, and support other activities focusing on farmer mental health.

The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network launched in early October and is being coordinated by Josie Rudolphi and Courtney Cuthbertson at the University of Illinois and Illinois Extension.

States participating in the Northwest Region effort include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

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