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AgWellness - An Approach to Agriculture Mental Health

Sadie Wilde and Jacob Hadfield

Summary

Mental health has become a pressing concern among agricultural producers and their communities nationwide. In response, a collaborative effort between Utah State University Extension Faculty and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food secured funding to offer education, resources, and assistance to Utah agriculture producers. The grant-funded education aimed to equip producers with an understanding of basic signs and symptoms of mental illness, knowledge about available mental health resources, and skills to assist someone in a mental health crisis. This comprehensive training reached 241 producers across Utah. Following the training, 92 percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed (a 34 percent increase from pretest) that they were aware of available mental health resources. Additionally, 88 percent agreed or strongly agreed (a 50 percent increase from pretest) that they felt confident in assisting others facing mental health challenges. Beyond education, the grant allocated $280,000 for mental healthcare, facilitating 1,100 therapy appointments, and directly impacting 240 farmers/ranchers with the project's resources. The primary objective of the program was to eliminate barriers and dismantle the stigma preventing agricultural producers and their families from seeking treatment for mental health issues.

Details

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