Concerns about rising suicide rates among farmers and ranchers are drawing attention in Olympia, where lawmakers are working on ways to support struggling agricultural families. John Sattgast reports.
A longtime Eastern Washington lawmaker says mental health challenges in agriculture are reaching crisis levels as financial and regulatory pressures mount on farm families.
“Agriculture suicide is three times the rate than it is in the general populace, and with all the stressors right now in agriculture, I am really worried for our ag folks.”
Rep. Joe Schmick, a Republican from Colfax who serves on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, says many rural residents personally know someone affected.
He’s working with others on expanding an agriculture-specific mental health hotline staffed by people who understand farm life and its pressures.
“We’re talking about saving lives and that’s the important thing here, to help these folks.”
Schmick says making help available around the clock could make the difference for families under extraordinary stress.
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