By Andi Anderson
Farmers and agricultural workers often face high stress due to difficult working conditions, leading to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Mental health support in rural areas is often limited.
To address this, the USDA funded several regional assistance networks, including the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center (NCFRSAC), which serves 12 states in the Midwest.
The NCFRSAC operates under the leadership of Josie Rudolphi and Courtney Cuthbertson from the University of Illinois. The center partners with various organizations to provide services such as professional mental health assistance, support groups, training programs, and outreach.
Its helpline, available in English and Spanish, has handled over 20,000 calls over the last three years, offering support for stress, legal, and financial issues.
The center also provides online resources through its website, where users can access over 170 resources related to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Training programs have been a major part of their outreach, with over 11,000 agricultural professionals trained in mental health support and 18,000 farmers trained in stress management.
In addition to these services, some states offer specific programs. Illinois provides free counselling sessions, while Nebraska offers support groups for farmworkers that have shown positive results in coping and reducing harmful behaviors.
Despite these efforts, one of the biggest challenges is overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health. The center continues to promote a message of strength in seeking help, emphasizing that asking for support is not a sign of weakness but a step towards well-being.
The NCFRSAC’s efforts have been successful, and the researchers aim to further adapt the program to changing agricultural conditions, ensuring continued support for farmers and workers in the years ahead.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle