Covington, LA — Farmers and ranchers now have access to a digital tool designed to help them find counselors trained to address stressors impacting agricultural communities.
The AgriStress Provider Directory is a product of the AgriSafe Network, a nonprofit that educates health care professionals and agricultural communities about worker health and safety. The directory was developed in response to research showing that 60% of rural communities have mental health provider shortages.
Agricultural producers are at increased risk for depression and thoughts of suicide, the network states in a press release, which also cites Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research that ranked the suicide rate among ag workers fifth among 20 different industries studied.
The directory features a list of counselors who can aid farmers and ranchers in 49 states, either in person or via telehealth visits.
“Every day, America’s farmers and ranchers put their health and safety on the line to provide food, fuel and fiber for our nation,” AgriSafe Total Farmer Health Director Tara Haskins said in the release. “They deserve to speak with counselors who understand their work, and can meet them where they are, with realistic and attainable solutions.”
AgriSafe encourages farmers and ranchers in crisis – or their loved ones – to call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The AgriSafe Helpline – (833) 897-2474 – is available for agriculture-informed suicide crisis help in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.
