A relatively small segment of our society has an outsized role in our country: Less than 2 percent of our country's population grows the food that fuels our communities and families across the country and world. And their work is often stressful, as farmers and ranchers constantly face extraordinary risks beyond their control. Earlier this summer, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution I co-sponsored that raises awareness about agricultural industry and workforce related mental health and continues efforts to reduce stigma associated with mental health.
In the resolution, the Senate sought to: “create awareness for the unique challenges agricultural producers and workers face, such as weather unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm succession and fluctuating commodity and market prices” and “promote mental well-being and awareness for current and future agricultural producers and workers.”
Families and communities have been profoundly impacted by the loss of loved ones and leaders in their communities to suicide. As acknowledged in the resolution, the National Rural Health Association reports the rate of suicide among farmers is 3.5 times higher than among the general population. According to the Mortality-Linked National Health Interview Survey, the rate of suicide among farmworkers is 1.4 times higher than rates across all other occupations.
Ensuring everyone knows where to turn for help to prevent suicide and receive crisis intervention has been one of my top priorities.
Source : senate.gov