We see them every day, America's farm families dealing with uncertainties of weather, cost of inputs, growing season risks, and long hours. As their neighbors, customers, business partners, and clients, you may feel helpless, but Illinois Extension can provide the tools to identify mental health issues and communication skills to support and save lives in the agricultural community.
A gap exists between farm families and the resources they need to keep them safe. That's where you come in. Stand in the gap and help farm families get the support they need by becoming more aware of where helping resources are.
You'll complete a 2-hour self-paced online course before joining the July 28 live video conference. The conference will cover:
- Mental illness symptoms
- Substance use signs and addiction
- Crisis interaction
- Trauma
- Self care
University of Illinois Extension educators will lead the trainings. Ag producers, agribusiness personnel, stakeholders, and others who want to support the agricultural community should register by July 14 at go.illinois.edu/mentalhealth2021. The work is supported by Illinois Extension specialists Josie Rudolphi and Courtney Cuthbertson as part of the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center, funded by USDA NIFA.
If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please email Belzer at kbelzer@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.