Agricultural Producers Need Tailored Mental Health Support Now More Than Ever
August 30, 2021
OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 30, 2021 /NW/ - Political parties must make concrete commitments to improve access to mental health services for producers, says Adelle Stewart of the Do More Agriculture Foundation.
“Producers have been giving everything they’ve got to deliver the harvest this summer despite the challenges of COVID-19 and severe drought, but they are exhausted physically and mentally,” said Stewart. “We know that farmers are among the most vulnerable when it comes to mental health issues, and it is clear we are at a breaking point. We want to work collaboratively with all parties to build better access to specialized mental health support.”
In response to the ongoing mental health crisis in agriculture, Do More Ag has sought and is currently seeking federal support to fund a one-year pilot project of a national, bilingual, mental-health crisis hotline (“AgTalk”) for Canadian farmers.
Reports from the University of Guelph, Farm Management Canada, and the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food have previously called for a 24-7 agriculture specific mental health support line for producers.
Agriculture is an industry with a foundation of deep rural roots, hard work, resilience, strength, and community. To uphold that image, those traits can become barriers to speaking up and seeking help for those that are struggling.
“As farmers are more likely to participate in programs offered by providers familiar with their industry, Do More Ag calls on political parties to commit to specialized mental health support to offer relief and support to producers,” said Himanshu Singh, Board Chair of Do More Ag.
Do More Ag is the leading national not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada. We are champions for the mental wellbeing of all Canadian producers and are changing the culture of Agriculture to one where all producers are encouraged, supported, and empowered to take care of their mental wellbeing.
SOURCE Do More Agriculture Foundation
For further information: To arrange an interview via phone, FaceTime, Zoom or Skype, please contact Adelle Stewart at adelle@domore.ag
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