Farmers face a number of unique stressors that can impact their mental health whether it be uncertain weather, fluctuating market conditions, and social isolation. That’s why Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said she is introducing the National Agricultural Crisis Hotline Act, which would establish a 24/7 national crisis hotline for farmers, ranchers, and their families.
“New York’s farmers face tremendous stressors: devastating storms, volatile commodity prices, debt, isolation, and the ever-present risk of losing their farms and their livelihoods,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We have to do more to support them. That’s why I’m working to establish a 24/7 mental health hotline tailored to the unique needs of our agricultural workers. This legislation would help save lives in our rural communities and I am determined to get it passed.”
According to Gillibrand, the National Agricultural Crisis Hotline Act would establish a 24/7 national crisis hotline to provide real-time live assistance catered to the unique needs of farmers, ranchers, and their families. It would be staffed by crisis specialists and licensed health care and mental health professionals with knowledge of the agriculture identity who can provide suicide crisis intervention, mental health and substance use disorder support, and agriculture-related referral services.
As of now, farmers and other individuals in need of support can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7, or to connect to a resource line, contact the Farm Aid Farmer Hotline at 1-800-327-6243 on weekdays from 9 am-9 pm ET.
