August 29, 2023 – During the 2023 Farm Progress Show, Governor JB Pritzker announced increased access to mental health services for rural farmers and agricultural communities.
The state is expanding its commitment to the Farm Family Resource Initiative, a joint program of Southern Illinois University’s School of Medicine and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Initially piloted in 2021, the program served families in Christian, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Morgan, and Sangamon counties. But after what the Governor called “a resounding success” in the first year, the program has now been expanded to the entire state and will be an ongoing part of the State budget.
“Across the nation, we are in the midst of a mental health crisis. One that affects our children, our seniors, and our farmers. There is nothing more important than making sure that every Illinoisan has access to the mental health services that they need.”
Results of a study by SIU showed that 64 percent of farmers say farm-related stress and mental health are significant problems. The Farm Family Resource Initiative seeks to improve the health and well-being of Illinois farm owners by providing a free and 100% confidential helpline. 1-833-FARM-SOS is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In addition to the helpline, the initiative offers ongoing outreach, education and training to rural partners working to improve the health and safety of farm families, including training on psychological signs of stress and Mental Health First Aid. Governor Pritzker also announced that the program has added six free telehealth visits to the program.
As the program advances out of the pilot stage, The Governor also announced an additional grant program that provides grassroots outreach through area FFA chapters.
To learn more about the Farm Family Resource Initiative, click HERE.
