N.Y. dedicates $2M to farm and mental health initiatives

The New York State Office of Mental Health announced that AIM Independent Living Center was awarded $2 million to operate a peer-driven culturally responsive program aimed at improving behavioral health outcomes and reducing suicide risk among farmers, agribusiness workers, and their families. The Farmers Supporting Farmers program provides free, confidential consultation services to approximately 1,000 New Yorkers, including many who are in need of mental wellness and behavioral health support.

“Our effort to strengthen New York State’s mental health care system includes bringing services to traditionally underserved areas, which include many of our rural communities,” Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “The Farmers Supporting Farmers program provides peer support and other services designed to improve behavioral health among farming communities and offer critical support to individuals and families at risk that might otherwise be disconnected from our system of care.”

AIM will receive $2 million over five years to implement the Farmers Supporting Farmers program statewide, with a focus on Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Yates, Ontario, Livingston, Allegany, Genesee, Monroe, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. The organization plans to leverage its expansive network of community nutrition programs and food banks to enhance outreach efforts and provide families with access to a broader network of resources and support.

“Farmers today face many challenges in the industry, including unpredictable markets and a changing climate that is leading to increased severe weather events,” New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. “These uncertainties can be difficult to manage, which is why programs like Farmers Supporting Farmers are so critical. By supporting providers like AIM Independent Living Center in their ability to increase outreach to the farming community and provide important mental health resources and technical business services, our farmers and their families can better plan for and cope with the unique challenges of the industry for their overall health and well-being.”

Services will include both family mental wellness support and agricultural technical assistance focused on financial management, business planning and decision making. Program staff will refer and connect individuals with behavioral healthcare, community resources, and social services if needed.

AIM will also operate a confidential helpline, which will provide services to approximately 2,500 individuals experiencing economic and social-emotional distress. Program outreach and community engagement will target rural communities and include free workshops, training sessions, and conferences on mental health and financial well-being.

Farmers Supporting Farmers was developed in response to the well-documented link between economic crises and the resulting stress that puts farm workers and their families at an increased risk for poor behavioral health outcomes. The funding will provide this population technical assistance to address their business and financial needs, along with wellness supports to promote improved behavioral health outcomes.

Approximately 20 percent of rural residents aged 55 or older live with a mental health issue, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Likewise, rural communities report significantly higher suicide rates than urban areas for both adults and youth.

In addition to Farmers Supporting Farmers, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available to connect New Yorkers to trained crisis counselors 24/7, who can help anyone thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, experiencing a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. New Yorkers can call, text or chat 988 if they are worried about someone who may need crisis support.