Columbia, Missouri – Missouri farmers and ranchers are increasingly struggling with mental health issues and access to resources.
The state’s rural suicide rate is growing faster than its urban counties, increasing 78% from 2003 to 2017.
A four-year grant from the MFA Foundation gives the University of Missouri Extension a new avenue to help rural communities in need of mental health assistance.
“Most rural Missouri areas do not have access to mental health providers and services that meet their needs,” says Karen, health and safety expert at MU Extension and director of Missouri Agra Ability. Funkenbush said.(opens in new window) business.
“The MFA Foundation’s substantial four-year commitment will enable the expansion of telemedicine sessions and increased educational awareness in more rural communities. , will help develop a statewide mental health awareness campaign targeting one of Missouri’s most vulnerable populations.”
MU Extensions addresses this challenge through resources shared by trained extension specialists. With backgrounds in both agriculture and mental health, these professionals have a deep understanding of the pressures facing farmers and ranchers, including rising fertilizer and fuel costs, difficult weather, crop failures and battling debt. increase.
“The lack of mental health support in rural Missouri is an ongoing challenge,” said John Ihler, president and CEO of Columbia-based MFA Oil. “It has been difficult to address for many reasons, from cultural to economic, but it is clear that access needs to be improved. We hope to be part of providing resources that help achieve
One such resource is the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance program, which provides mental health resources and telemedicine counseling sessions. Popularly known as Show-Me Strong Farm Families, the program has served over 2,000 people since 2020. Members of farm communities in all 114 Missouri counties. Funkenbusch and her team teach classes and provide resources to people with mental health-related issues.
The program saved Missouri participants $91,330. This is the amount covered by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and her MU Extension Scholarship to ensure that individuals can participate in behavioral health programs regardless of need.
“The approach taken by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance program convinced me that partnering with the University of Missouri Extension would be a true multiplier of the MFA Foundation’s financial support,” said Ihler. “If we focus on this challenge, we can make a difference.”
The MFA Foundation is funded by MFA Inc., MFA Oil, and local affiliates of both companies.
resource: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline(opens in new window) provides 24/7 confidential support to people experiencing mental health-related distress. To speak with a trained counselor, call 988, text her or chat.
