Financial
uncertainty, physical isolation and increasingly unpredictable crop
yields linked to climate change are just some of the stressors that are
fueling a mental health crisis among farmers. A recent CDC study
of occupational suicide risk found that male farmers, ranchers and
other agricultural managers had a suicide rate more than 50 percent
higher than the overall suicide rate of men in all surveyed occupations.
Research also suggests that farmers have increased risk of heart
disease caused in part by chronic stress and hardships from the job. On
this page, we've compiled resources to help.
Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI)
FFRI
is a network of support and resources for farmers and their families,
including a helpline (1-833-FARM-SOS). The confidential 24/7 helpline
connects you to health professionals specializing in ag-related stress.
This means you are talking to medical professionals living in Illinois
who can relate to the local economy, weather and other daily stressors
specific to farming and our region.
In addition
to text, email and website services, telehealth counseling sessions are
available for those in need of additional support. Up to six
individual, couple or group sessions are available. All FFRI services
are offered at no cost to the farmer or farm family member with the
support of grant funding. Visit
siumed.org/farm for more information.
Avian Flu/H5N1
H5N1
avian/bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing
outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with cases in U.S. dairy
workers. Learn more.
12/23/24 IDPH: Novel Influenza A(H5N1) Virus, Illinois, 2024, Health Advisory to Clinicians for Early Detection of Human Infections
H5N1 Guidance for Farm Workers (English)
H5N1 Guidance for Farm Workers (Spanish)
Resources