#FarmNeighborsCare during National Mental Health Awareness Month

May is national Mental Health Awareness Month and the National Farm Medicine Center has joined Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and a coalition of other agricultural organizations to support rural residents in looking after their farm neighbors who might be struggling with increased stress.

Through its #FarmNeighborsCare campaign, this coalition will be hosting webinars, promoting resources on social media, and running a campaign called “Heroes of Hope” to highlight rural heroes who have instilled hope in farmers and farm-related businesses with acts large and small.

To nominate a Hero of Hope, visit https://wfbf.com/farm-neighbors-care-campaign/heroes-of-hope/. Who’s a hero? Somebody who helped another person through a tough time, perhaps assisting with harvest, delivering meals and generally “being there” to listen. Nominations will be accepted May 1 through May 21. One nominee will be recognized as the grand prize winner, and four nominees will be named runners-up, with prize packages provided by local sponsors.

Did you know?

Mental Health Webinars are scheduled for May 12, 19, 26 from noon to 1. To participate in the social media campaign and register for the webinars, visit our #FarmNeighborsCare webpage https://wfbf.com/farm-neighbors-care-campaign/.

The #FarmNeighborsCare coalition includes producer groups, Extension, health care providers and other organizations. Farm Neighbors Care was initiated by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and has become a collaborative effort between many agricultural organizations in the state. Partnering groups include but are not limited to: AgrAbility of Wisconsin, Dairy Business Association, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Farmer Angel Network, Insight FS, National Farm Medicine Center, Professional Dairy Producers, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Inc., Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Farm Center (DATCP), Wisconsin Farmers Union, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.

When loved ones, neighbors or others you care about are experiencing mental health challenges, they may not even realize it. Visit Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation https://wfbf.com/mental-health-resources/ for tips on how to identify someone who might be at risk, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish languages: 1-800-273-8255.