Rural Mental Health Course Available

OMAHA (DTN) -- Veterinarians and farm workers can learn about practical support strategies and resources to navigate mental health challenges in rural areas through a new, free online course.

The course, titled "Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America," is offered through Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine in partnership with NY FarmNet and Rural Minds, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting mental health in rural America.

The course reviews specific mental health issues, including suicide, in rural America and provides information to mitigate these situations, according to a news release from Rural Minds. Anyone interested in those topics is welcome to access the course, according to the release.

"As a dairy farmer, I know firsthand that veterinarians are an integral part of all rural communities," said Jeff Winton, founder and chairman of Rural Minds. "And they may be among the first to see warning signs that a client is experiencing a mental health challenge but may not recognize those same signs themselves."

Research has shown that rural communities have approximately 65% higher rates of suicide in their population compared to urban areas. Farmers are twice as likely as those in other occupations to die by suicide -- a statistic likely exacerbated by financial instability and isolation.

Rural community members also face barriers to care. Rural areas have 20% fewer primary care providers than urban areas, with 65% of rural counties lacking a psychiatrist. Furthermore, many rural community members have expensive or nonexistent internet service and lack adequate health insurance coverage.

Adam Howell, NY FarmNet's outreach director, said professionals working in agricultural regions face immense challenges related to stress and mental health.

"NY FarmNet is proud to see this new educational initiative come to fruition as we work together to alleviate the mental health crisis afflicting rural communities across America," Howell said.

The course provides practical tips to help with mental health challenges. This includes recognizing and responding to warning signs, as well as providing key information on resources such as crisis hotline numbers and local support.

NY FarmNet's (https://www.nyfarmnet.org/…) free consulting services are available to all farmers and farms in New York state. They also serve agribusiness professionals who work directly with farmers through family and personal consulting.

Rural Minds aims to end the suffering, silence and stigma around mental illness in rural America, according to the organization's website, https://www.ruralminds.org/….

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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