Mental Health Month: Farm Aid Support and Resource Hotline: [phone]

American Family Farmer

5/22/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Alexandria Ward, Farm Aid’s Farmer Services Network Manager, for a focus on Farm Aid’s Mental Health Hotline, aiming to provide aid to Farmers nationwide. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health issues are a major concern for all types of workers in the farming and agriculture industry. Farm Aid’s hotline operators are familiar with agriculture and with resources for farmers around the country; they work with hotline callers to find the best resources for their individual situation, whether they are looking for assistance with farm stress, financial issues, legal questions or business-related questions. All farmers can call the hotline at 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243). The Hotline hours are M-F, 9am-9pm ET and 6am-6pm PT. The suicide rate has been higher for farmers than for the general population for decades, and a 2017 front-page story in The Guardian brought it to America’s attention. It’s a harsh reality about farmers: people working in agriculture in the U.S. — including farmers, farm laborers, ranchers, fishers and lumber harvesters — take their lives at a rate higher than any other occupation.
Alexandria comes to the Farm Aid team from a varied background in food systems. Most recently Alexandria worked in the farmers market world where she supported a large network of farmers and producers in the Mid-Atlantic. Her work has also included academic research, policy, and advocacy. Alexandria is constantly inspired by the farmers in this country, and the individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly to support small scale agriculture, and sustainable and equitable food systems.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
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