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(Ames, IA) -- There's been a new, and successful push in the past year to distribute mental health literature to Iowa farmers. Iowa State University Extension has used a $500,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture to come up with publications, to be distributed by people who come indirect contact with farmers and other rural Iowans. Outreach Specialist David Brown says they had hoped to distribute about 2,000 of the publications, but have given out more than 25,000 in 86 of Iowa's 99 counties.
He says the publications have gone to ag lenders, equipment dealers, vets, FSA offices and others who deal directly with farmers and farm families. Brown says farmers have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide than the general population. He says stressors can vary, but cites the pandemic, derechos, and high input costs as just a few of the things farmers worry about.
Iowa Concern Hotline is one resource being promoted. It serves both urban and rural Iowans. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week by calling 800-447-1985 or visiting https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/.
Farm Stress and Mental Health [HS 180A]
Direct link to pdf file – https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16350-pdf
Stress on the Farm [HS 180B]
Direct link to pdf file – https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/16351-pdf