Mental health support offered for farmers and ranchers; vouchers available

A group of agriculture and behavioral health organizations have launched the Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program aiming to provide support and resources for farmers and ranchers struggling with mental health. The program provides vouchers to offset the cost of accessing licensed behavioral health professionals.

“Farmers and ranchers can face an overwhelming amount of pressure. They’re responsible for growing food and caring for livestock under difficult conditions. For many, keeping the farm going for the next generation is also incredibly important. It weighs on you,” said Carlyle Currier, a rancher, and president of the Colorado Farm Bureau. “Providing access to mental health resources during some of the darkest times in our friends’, families’ and neighbors’ lives is so important, and we’re proud to be a part of this work.”

According to research by the American Farm Bureau Federation, a strong majority of farmers and farmworkers think financial issues (91%), farm or business problems (88%) and fear of losing the farm (87%) impact the mental health of farmers. Often, access to these services is difficult in rural communities because of the cost and availability of health services in isolated communities. CAAMHP will provide farmers and ranchers with free access to licensed providers who understand the unique circumstances of agriculture.

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