New resources available to Missouri farmers; September is Suicide Prevention Month

COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension safety and health specialist Karen Funkenbusch reminds Missouri farmers and their families during Suicide Prevention Month that MU Extension has resources for farmers and ranchers.

Suicide Prevention Month, observed in September, is a good time to talk with rural family and community members about increased risks of suicide, says Funkenbusch.

Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death among Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that rural residents are at a higher risk of suicide than urban residents. The CDC also reports that more than half of U.S. counties don’t have a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 98% of the state’s rural counties are designated “mental health professional shortage areas.”

It’s time to change those statistics, says Funkenbusch.

In addition to a shortage of mental and behavioral health services, workers in rural communities often face other barriers such as difficulty obtaining health insurance, she says. There also may be sociocultural factors such as stigma against seeking help, especially for men. A lack of nearby medical services often hampers emergency care for those suffering from serious self-inflicted injuries or overdoses.

MU Extension works with numerous groups to provide resources to farmers and ranchers, especially those who live in underserved areas.

One is a new AgriStress Helpline. MU Extension, in a partnership with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is promoting the free, confidential service, which is available to Missouri producers and rural families seeking mental health support. Call or text 833-897-2474 for help. Health care professionals answer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The MU Psychological Services Clinic offers up to five free teletherapy sessions for farmers and ranchers and members of their immediate families. Learn more at muext.us/PSCFarmRanch, or contact the clinic at adpsc@missouri.edu or 573-882-4677.

MU Extension is part of Iowa Concern, which provides stress counselors, an attorney for legal education, information and referral services for farm families. The toll-free number is 800-447-1985.

These services are supported through Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network grants from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Another option is the 24-hour National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or go to 988lifeline.org.

Find other resources in the MU Extension and Show-Me Farm Safety Mental Health Toolkit at muext.us/MHtoolkit.