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A Team Approach to Addressing Farmer Mental Health and Farm and Rural Stress

Agricultural Economics & Community Development

Chris Zoller
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & EXTENSION EDUCATOR ANR
Ohio State University Extension Tuscarawas County
New Philadelphia

Abstract

The responsibilities of operating and managing a farm, including weather, legal issues, financial constraints, and uncertain input and commodity prices are stressful and can result in mental health concerns for farmers.  To address mental health issues in Ohio’s farming population, Ohio State University Extension assembled a team of county-based Educators and state specialists.  This interdisciplinary team has secured grant funding to develop resources, curriculum, and hire the first-ever Extension Field Specialist in Behavioral Health. Our team accomplishments include teaching Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to farmers and agribusinesses, development of farm stress kits distributed to farmers and agri-businesses, and delivering programs, through an agreement with The Ohio State University College of Social Work, to licensed mental health providers in Ohio who seek professional development continuing education units (CEUs) and “Farm Stress” certification.  More than one thousand professionals have completed at least one of the three modules in the “Farm Stress Certified” training program.  This presentation will describe the history and development of the team, resources developed, grant funding secured, our relationship with the College of Social Work, the impact of educational programming, and tips for Extension professionals interested in developing a similar program.   

Authors: Chris Zoller, Ken Martin, Jami Dellifield, Sarah Noggle, Dee Jepsen, Bridget Britton
  1. Chris Zoller ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & EXTENSION EDUCATOR ANR, Ohio State University Extension Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 44663-6403
  2. Ken Martin Extension Specialist, Community Development, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43210
  3. Jami Dellifield Extension Educator, FCS, Ohio State University Extension Hardin County, Ohio, 43326
  4. Sarah Noggle Extension Educator, ANR, Ohio State University Extension Paulding County, Ohio, 45879
  5. Dee Jepsen Extension Specialist, Farm Safety, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43210
  6. Bridget Britton Field Specialist, Behavioral Health, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44663