While no one is immune to the threat of suicide ideation, there are populations that are at high risk including American Indians, Alaska Native youth, LGTBQI+ youth, rural men, military veterans, law enforcement, and medical professionals.

Farmers die by suicide at a higher rate than the general population—at 1.5 times the national average. Midwestern states are training people who regularly interact with farmers to be a new frontline of defense against farm stress coupled with everyday life.

Farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers in the U.S. have relenting jobs that are often compounded by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to weather and livestock health, and isolation. Rural agricultural communities may also have limited access to healthcare and mental health services, which increases the difficulty for farm and ranch families to receive support when they are experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health crisis. Addressing mental health challenges head-on with vulnerability is critical so rural populations, farmers especially, can successfully navigate other stressors common in their day-to-day lives.

NPR’s All Things Considered recently published a story on how midwestern states are combatting rural suicide risk—listen or read the transcript here.

Thanks to all who attended our annual Tending for a Cause Event and the crew that helps us. We raised over $2,200 for the Jackson Roeder Memorial Fund as we continue helping Central Minnesota with mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Join us again next fall.