Local safety training enhances agricultural workers’ well-being
The comprehensive training Feb. 16 covered general agricultural safety, employee health, and mental health well-being
Read MoreRates for depression are higher in rural America than in urban areas and suicide rates among people living in rural counties are 25% higher than those in major metropolitan areas.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is well known how big of a challenge mental health in the U.S. is, but very few realize how rural parts of our country are being impacted. A new nonprofit, Rural Minds, was launched last year to provide rural Americans with efficient access to existing mental health service organizations and address the importance of overcoming the stigma around mental health challenges.
00:00 – The founder of Rural Minds, Jeff Winton, talks about why he started the nonprofit organization to combat mental health challenges in rural America and if progress is being made in breaking down the stigmas that come along with the issue.
23:50 – On this week’s “To the Beat of Agriculture,” hear from a Zanesville resident whose family farm has operated since the 1800s. Learn more about Ohio Farm Bureau State Trustee Matt Bell’s operation and his hopes for the next generation of farmers in his family.
32:20 – Farm Bureau has been working to encourage conversations about stress and mental health to help break the stigma that’s been prevalent in farming and rural communities for far too long. Ray Atkinson, director of communications with the American Farm Bureau Federation, discusses those efforts as well as results from a recent study about inroads being made in the mental health conversation.
42:20 – Dr. Ana Bell, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s statewide health, wellness and special programs director, talks about efforts being made with BWC to offer mental health support and resources to employers and employees throughout the state.
The comprehensive training Feb. 16 covered general agricultural safety, employee health, and mental health well-being
Read MoreThis annual event cultivates understanding and evaluating the vital intersection of agriculture and mental health.
Read MoreBy talking about it, we can erase the stigma that comes with mental health.
Read MoreThis first-of-its-kind group focuses on offering more resources to agricultural communities. The group’s first action is introducing a new, anonymous survey to seek feedback directly from rural communities.
Read MoreThis joint initiative aimed to equip attendees with the tools and understanding required to address mental health concerns within the community.
Read MoreThe Yvonne Lesicko Perseverance Prize recognizes groups or individuals working to find innovative solutions to farmer mental health difficulties. Nominations are due July 31, 2023.
Read MoreThere are many available resources within Guernsey County ready to help with mental health needs.
Read MoreMental health advocate Brandon Fullenkamp from Highland County was a guest on the Farmside Chat podcast with American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.
Read MoreA short play was designed to encourage attendees to discuss stress, the impacts of stress, and the resources available locally to deal with stress.
Read MoreOrganization Directory Mandy Orahood shares her own mental health journey.
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