With the National Rural Health Association reporting that the rate of suicide among farmers is 3.5 times higher than among the general population, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) wants to help address this public health crisis.
“Our farmers are proud, salt of the Earth people, but they face tremendous pressures in a tough industry,” Rep. Bost said on May 19. “The stress that comes with the profession is real.”
The congressman on Tuesday led 19 original cosponsors in introducing House Resolution (H.Res.) 1301, which would designate May 29 as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.
The bipartisan resolution would recognize the unique pressures faced by farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers across the country, and raise awareness about the resources available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in connecting agricultural producers and workers to stress assistance programs, according to the text of the item.
“Volatile markets, rising input costs, and unpredictable weather don’t just threaten a family farm’s bottom line, they take a toll on mental health, too,” said Rep. Bost. “This legislation is a step towards making sure they know that if they’re struggling, they don’t have to struggle alone.”
Among the 19 original cosponsors of the resolution are U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Jason Smith (R-MO), and Kim Schrier (D-WA).