Missouri Department of Agriculture Announces Launch of AgriStress Helpline

 

Today, the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the launch of the AgriStress Helpline for Missouri producers.

The helpline is a free and confidential service available to Missouri producers and rural families seeking mental health support.

The AgriSafe Network is a non-profit organization comprised of health professionals and educators who strive to reduce health disparities found among the agricultural community. The AgriSafe mission is to support a growing network of trained agricultural health and safety professionals who ensure access to preventative services for farm families and the agricultural community.

The Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Producers can call or text (833) 897-2474 to speak to a healthcare professional.

The Helpline is made possible through a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network grant was awarded to the Missouri Department of Agriculture to help combat farmer stress and suicide. The grant dollars also support the distribution of mental health resources and training, provided by University of Missouri Extension, to help identify and manage agricultural stress.

For more information about the AgriStress Helpline for Missouri, or for additional stress-related resources, visit agriculture.mo.gov/stress.