Rural Health
News by Topic: Farmers and farmworkers
Oct 3, 2023 - Highlights the efforts being made in rural and frontier Colorado agricultural communities to address mental health. Discusses both programming and services for farmers as well as culturally competent training for healthcare workers and community members. Describes the occupational hazards of agriculture leading to poor mental health and the stigma and mental health workforce shortage that can keep people from getting help.
Source: The Colorado Sun
Sep 27, 2023 - In an attempt to avoid dangerous heat during harvest, some farmworkers are working at night. Outlines risks and challenges associated with this work including limited visibility, fatigue, gender-based violence, and childcare. Notes that night work on farms is understudied, and so the risks are not fully understood.
Source: Civil Eats
Sep 11, 2023 - Discusses the impact of heat on both Louisiana crops and farmers' health. Highlights barriers to healthcare access including long travel times, lack of paid time off, and being uninsured.
Source: Mississippi Public Broadcasting
HRSA: Meeting of the National Advisory Council on Migrant Health
Federal Register
Aug 30, 2023 - The National Advisory Council on Migrant Health (NACMH) will hold a virtual public meeting on November 1-2, 2023. Agenda items include discussions on topics related to migratory and seasonal agricultural worker health. Meeting information will be published on the NACMH website.
Source: Federal Register
Aug 29, 2023 - Announcement of state grant funding for mental health awareness programs in schools and rural areas through the Illinois FFA. Notes that stigma is a concern in rural and agricultural communities. All rural Illinois counties are designated as mental health shortage areas.
Source: WTTW
Aug 22, 2023 - A Colorado U.S. Representative is proposing bipartisan legislation to fund a mental health hotline for workers and families in agriculture. Discusses the increased rates of suicide in agriculture when compared with the general population.
Source: Greeley Tribune