Mental Health Among FarmersPlan of Work

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Monroe County CES

Title:
Mental Health Among Farmers
MAP:
Health
Agents Involved:
Kevin Lyons; Tina Hogue; FCS Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Substance Use and Mental Health – 4-H Youth Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Substance Use and Mental Health - ANR
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Substance Use and Mental Health - FCS
Situation:

Farmers and farm families are increasingly under more stress as they struggle to maintain their ag operations and rural way of life. Economic, market, and social forces have combined to place many farmers under a heavier financial burden. Many feel they are failing their families and themselves if they have to leave the farm for other employment, or have to sell their farm. There has been a significant increase in suicides among farmers across the country during the past few years. Mental health awareness among farmers has been identified as a priority topic among many ag groups including Cooperative Extension; KY Farm Bureau; and the KY Dept. of Ag. Teens are increasingly facing mental health and substance abuse issues as well. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

The suicide rate among farmers should decrease over the next few years as they improve their mental health. Deaths due to substance abuse will should decrease as outreach programs becomes more prevalent.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers will discuss their mental health issues with friends, family, and mental health professionals. Teens will open up about there struggles with substance abuse and mental wellness.

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers will learn to be more open in discussing their mental health with others; they will shed the stigma that is often associated with mental health issues among their peers; they will learn that it is okay to ask for help; and they will learn about the many resources that are available to them that can benefit their mental well-being. Teens will gain knowledge about resources for combating substance abuse and mental health issues.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: KOSA

Indicator: Number of participants

Method: Anonymous evaluations

Timeline: 2024


Intermediate Outcome: Behavior changes

Indicator: Number of farmers attending follow up programs

Method: Anonymous evaluations

Timeline: Winter of 2024


Long-term Outcome: SEEC

Indicator: Data from agencies

Method: Research of available stats

Timeline: 2024-2025

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers and farm families

Project or Activity: Ag Awareness Day

Content or Curriculum: We will have a mental health professional provide an overview of the problems that many farmers are facing, and the mental heath challenges that are resulting from them. They will talk about the resources available to farmers, and options for obtaining help. 

Inputs: Extension; Monroe Co. Farm Bureau; Raising Hope

Date: Winter  2024


Audience: Monroe Co. Cattlemen's members

Project or Activity: monthly meeting

Content or Curriculum: discuss avenues for dealing with stress

Inputs: UK specialist

Date: Spring of 2024


Audience: Women involved in farming

Project or Activity: Ladies in Ag

Content or Curriculum: follow-up session to the Ladies in Ag program in-person on a producer's farm

Inputs: ag organizations; health departments

Date: Summer of 2023

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