By MATTHEW D. ERNST
Missouri Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democrats and Republicans in Congress two weeks ago introduced House Resolution 5259, the Stemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide (STRESS) Act, to bring funding in the next farm bill to a program authorized in 2008 – but not funded thus far. The bill comes after recent reports have focused on the high rates of depression and suicide among U.S. farmers. In December 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that workers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries had the highest suicide rate of any industry. “Farmers in Minnesota and across America are in the midst of a suicide crisis,” said Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), who cosponsored the bill with Rep. Tom O’Halleran (D-Ariz.). The bipartisan act would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). Authorized in 2008 but never funded, FRSAN would grant resources to personnel in states and Indian tribes working with rural mental health programs. The bill was referred to the House Agriculture Committee on March 13. The bill comes at a time when many practitioners are observing and documenting signs of greater stress among rural populations, including farmers. “2017 was a challenging year for farm families, and this year is trending to show similar signs,” said Tammy Jacobs, interim coordinator of the Iowa Concern Hotline, which provides Iowans access to stress counselors 24 hours a day. “We have seen a slight increase in the number of agricultural calls received at the Iowa Concern Hotline in the last three months,” she explained. O’Halleran said Congress needs to invest in preventative measures. “We have a responsibility to support the folks who put food on our table and clothes on our back. In addition to improving access to rural health care, we can do this by investing in comprehensive behavioral and mental health services.” The bill is supported by the National Farmers Union. “FRSAN would fund partnerships to train farm advocates, establish helplines and provide outreach and support services. NFU has long advocated for these resources,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “We urge Congress to strengthen FRSAN and provide it with robust funding in the next farm bill.” Researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health found 230 work-related suicides among U.S. farm operators/workers from 1992-2010, according to a report published in the May 2017 Journal of Rural Health. A smaller number of total farm workers, compared to other industries like construction, resulted in farming being the industry with the highest suicide rate. The findings continue a troubling rural reality. A CDC report found suicide rates in 17 states were highest among workers in farming, fisheries and forestry in 2012. Kentucky and Ohio were among the states included in that report, which said the public health implications are suicide prevention activities directed toward people 16 years or older, “particularly male workers in farming, fishing and forestry occupations and female workers in protective services.” That report also encouraged “prevention strategies that enhance social support, community connectedness, access to preventive services and reduction of stigma and barriers to help-seeking.” Some states, like Iowa, maintain statewide hotlines to take calls from farmers and farm families troubled by stress. Other states, like Minnesota, are ramping up resources – its Department of Agriculture recently reactivated its rural hotline. But, those in any state feeling suicidal or overwhelmed should call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-SUICIDE (784-2433). |
