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Rural Response to Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – Resources

Selected recent or important resources focusing on Rural Response to Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

American Farm Bureau Federation Rural Stress Polling Presentation
Summarizes the results of a survey of rural adults, farmers, and farmworkers regarding mental health. Includes statistics and data describing access to mental health resources, mental health concerns for farmers, ways to reduce stigma, general impressions of mental health, and more.
Date: 04/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: American Farm Bureau Federation, Morning Consult
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Suicide Rates by Major Occupational Group — 17 States, 2012 and 2015
Examines suicide deaths by occupational group for men and women aged 16-64 years from the 17 states participating in both the 2012 and 2015 National Violent Death Reporting System. Includes information on suicide rates among male farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers and among male agricultural workers.
Additional links: Erratum, Table 2
Author(s): Cora Peterson, Deborah M. Stone, Suzanne M. Marsh, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 67(45), 1253-1260
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Rural Aging: Health and Community Policy Implications for Reversing Social Isolation
Summarizes discussions from a stakeholder meeting regarding reversing social isolation among rural seniors. Highlights three objectives: a common understanding, actionable solutions, and awareness. Discusses the economic and health impacts of isolation for aging rural residents. Covers policy recommendations.
Date: 07/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Bipartisan Policy Center
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How Farmers Can Cope with Stress
Describes the signs of increased stress levels and provides stress management tips for farmers. Also includes some New York state-specific resources.
Date: 2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: NY FarmNet
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Trends and Characteristics of Occupational Suicide and Homicide in Farmers and Agriculture Workers, 1992–2010
Presents a study on rates of work-related suicide and homicide among farmworkers from 1992-2010. Breaks down rates by year and region, and compares farmworkers to other occupations.
Author(s): Wendy Ringgenberg, Corinne Peek-Asa, Kelley Donham, Marizen Ramirez
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(3), 246-253
Date: 2018
Type: Document
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Preventing Farm-Related Stress, Depression, Substance Abuse, and Suicide
Discusses stressors specific to farmers, their families, and rural communities, offering information on recognizing signs of depression, substance abuse, and suicide risk. Offers strategies for managing stress and lists resources for suicide prevention, substance abuse treatment, and farm and ranch stress and depression. Part of the collected volume Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn.
Additional links: Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn
Author(s): Rebekka M. Dudensing, Samuel D. Towne, Carly E. McCord
Date: 12/2017
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Southern Extension Risk Management Education, U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Rural Health Research Recap: Rural Behavioral Health
Summarizes key findings from the Rural Health Research Centers' most recent rural behavioral health projects. Discusses mental illness prevalence in rural areas, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among rural children, access to behavioral health services in rural communities, and rural behavioral health interventions. Provides links to each of the referenced source documents.
Date: 11/2017
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Research Gateway
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Hotlines and Mental Health Screenings Provide Needed Support
Mental health hotlines and mental health screenings offer critical support in getting people the help they need in a timely manner.
Author(s): Candi Helseth
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 05/2014
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Una Voz Para La Salud (Call for Health) Information and Referral Service
National bilingual health information and referral service for farmworkers. Offers assistance with locating healthcare, interpretation, support services, and more.
Type: Hotline
Sponsoring organization: National Center for Farmworker Health
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AgriStress Helpline: Crisis Support for Agricultural Communities
Helpline connects farmers and agricultural workers to trained professionals offering mental health support and resources in their area. Provides crisis support tailored for the agricultural community with an understanding of the values, stressors, and lived experiences of the agricultural community. Helpline is open 24/7 and is currently available in CT, MO, PA, TX, VA, and WY.
Type: Hotline
Sponsoring organization: AgriSafe Network
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Last Updated: 3/22/2024