The theme for Mental Health Month 2025 is "Turn Awareness into Action", a powerful reminder that real progress begins when we take intentional steps to support ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities!

Did you know? May 29, 2025, is recognized as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day, a day to spotlight the unique mental health challenges faced by farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. By taking steps to learn, share, and support, we can help turn awareness into meaningful action, not just in May, but every day!

Check out the resources below for ways to improve mental health in agricultural communities and participate in Mental Health Awareness month!

AgriSafe’s Mental Health Resources

• AgriStress Provider Directory - A resource for rural individuals to search for and find mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of agriculture.
• FarmResponse® Program - A 3.5-hour course designed to equip healthcare providers with the tools to support the mental health of agricultural workers.
• Cultivating a Healthy Mind! Mental Wellness for Youth - Training for educators and ag youth leaders to support the mental well-being of young people in agricultural communities.
• Mental Health and the Impact on Wellness for Farm Families - This resource guide helps farm families address mental health challenges. *available in English and Spanish*
• Person-First Language - A valuable tool promoting respectful and inclusive language around mental health. *available in English and Spanish*

Additional Toolkits to Share and Use

• Mental Health Month Action Guide 2025 - Developed by Mental Health America, this guide is packed with resources and tips to support mental health and well-being.
• Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit - Created by SAMSHA, this comprehensive toolkit includes customizable materials to help you spread awareness and encourage action throughout May.
• Mental Health in Rural Communities Toolkit - Compiled by RHIhub, this resource offers evidence-based strategies and practical tools for implementing mental health programs in rural areas.

In celebration of National Nurses Month, we’re honoring the dedication of nurses who serve rural communities by offering a limited number of scholarships to the Nurse Scholar Program — completely free of charge (a $500 value).

Eligible applicants include nurses currently employed in the U.S. by a rural nonprofit clinic, nonprofit organization or hospital, critical access hospital, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), school, or educational institution.

The application deadline is May 30, and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

A message from Linda Emanuel, AgriSafe's Agricultural Health Liaison:

Little insects can have a big impact on human health. Ask anyone bitten by a tick and now suffering from a tick-borne disease. Each year it is estimated that 450,000 cases of tick-borne diseases arise, showcasing that ticks pose an unrelenting threat to humans. Past surveillance indicates ticks and the diseases they carry are expanding across the United States. 

Tick identification and screening them for a variety of pathogens is critical to understanding threats to humans, animals, plants, and the environment. The team of scientists at the Nebraska Tick Testing (NeTT) laboratory are dedicated to reducing the burden of tick-borne diseases and providing the public with the highest quality data possible. 

This testing is available free-of-charge to anyone living in the greater Midwest and United States - find the steps and submission form on the Nebraska Tick Testing website. The Nebraska One Health project and the Nebraska Tick Network work together to improve the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. The mission of One Health and advocacy of public health work in synchronization.

Resources:

• Nebraska Tick Testing - College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center - Resource Page
• Tick-Borne Diseases - AgriSafe Talking Total Farmer Health Podcast Episode
• Tick Bites, Meat Allergy, and Caring for Livestock: What Farmers and Ranchers Need to Know - AgriSafe 1-Hour Webinar Recording

Maira Khan is from Delaware and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware in biological sciences in Newark, DE. She will be pursuing her master’s degree in biomedical sciences at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in Philly, PA. At AgriSafe, Maira is helping to revise and update the health topics page to ensure that the information is relevant and up-to-date for the agricultural community. Additionally, Maira will ensure that the language and phrasing on the health topics pages best meets farmers and ranchers where they're at.

Larkin Petersen is a rising senior at Tulane University majoring in public health and environmental studies. This summer, Larkin is supporting AgriSafe through content development for educational materials as well as other projects. With a strong interest in the intersection of human and environmental health, she is passionate about promoting sustainable, community-based solutions to improve health outcomes in rural and agricultural settings. 

52nd Annual 2025 National Association for Rural Mental Health Conference - Anchorage, Alaska (May 1 - 3)

Early this May, Dr. Tara Haskins attended and presented at the 52nd Annual 2025 National Association of Rural Mental Health Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. This year's theme of the conference was "Stronger Together: Weaving Cultural Diversity and Strengths to Support Mental Well-Being." AgriSafe sessions were "Preventing suicide deaths in rural communities through CALM: Conversations on Access to Lethal Means" and "AgriSafe’s FarmResponse Training: Cultural competency for behavioral health providers serving agricultural communities."

Dr. Haskins states that "meetings like this are crucial for rural America and rural mental health. There is a great deal of innovation and creativity spearheaded by professionals that are passionate and working in this space. Dedication to being stronger together is key if we are to improve the mental wellbeing for rural families. If you have an interest in rural mental health, this annual event is the place to be."

A message from Dr. Jessi Grote, AgriSafe's Professional Development Coordinator:

Foster care holds a special place in my heart, as we were foster parents for four years and continue serving the foster care community through our nonprofit. It is estimated that over 350,000 children are currently in foster care in the United States, with nowhere near enough homes to care for these children.

Oftentimes, we believe the only way to support children in foster care or waiting to be adopted is to complete the training needed to become a foster parent. While that is a great option, there are many ways you can become involved in supporting children in foster care, from providing meals or respite care to foster families to donating financially to organizations that provide support to foster families.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent in your state, you can simply start by doing a web search on foster care organizations in your state. As far as support, search for foster care support or foster care support organizations. Building our own personal awareness about the need for foster care is a great way to get involved. You may be surprised by what you find. 

And of course, feel free to reach out to me too if you have any questions, as I am happy to share our story and the impact foster care had, and continues to have, on our lives. Have questions? Email jgrote@agrisafe.org for more information!

Additional resources: 

• US Foster Care Statistics 2024: Data & Trends [Updated]
• Data and Statistics: AFCARS | The Administration for Children and Families
• Home - America's Kids Belong
• Foster The Family
• Home | Foster Love with Beef

It is common knowledge that farmers rarely retire... but did you know that 1 in 3 farmers are over the age of 65? There are many resources for keeping aging farmers healthy, but what about resources for the farmers who do retire? In this episode of Talking Total Farmer Health, our host Linda Emanuel and our guest Beth Singer from CHS, both grown daughters of farmers, discuss how to keep retired farmers healthy. Throughout the episode they explain their observations of their own aging parents, as well as offer tips to help upkeep the well-being of retired farmers, and more.

To listen to the latest episode, visit our website or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - make sure to subscribe so that you to get notified when our episodes are released!

Stay up to date with the latest in agricultural health and safety by exploring our upcoming training sessions and events. Each webinar offers expert-led discussions and practical insights tailored to support the well-being of agricultural communities. Reserve your spot today!

Upcoming CALM Clinician’s Workshop

June 11 | 10 AM – 1:45 PM CT

Registration Cost:

• $0 AgriSafe Members (Become a member here)
• $60 Non-member fee *Early bird pricing valid until May 28, price will increase to $75*

Join us for our upcoming CALM Clinician's Workshop on June 11, from 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM CT! Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) is a powerful addition to existing suicide prevention strategies, helping to reduce the risk of suicide while respecting individuals' rights and autonomy. This workshop will equip you with the skills to collaborate with at-risk clients on safe storage of firearms and dangerous medications—a crucial step in keeping them safe.

This training is recognized in the Suicide Prevention Resource Center's Best Practice Registry and is specifically designed for clinicians. The workshop includes case studies, breakout discussions, and valuable clinical training videos to enhance your learning experience. The intended audience for this workshop is mental health clinicians, primary care providers, substance abuse counselors, hotline responders, and crisis intervention services.

Please note: This workshop will be offered live only—a recording will NOT be available. Registration is required and non-refundable.

International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) 2025 Annual Conference

(June 23–26, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, Maine)

ISASH invites professionals from the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors to the 2025 Annual Conference in Portland, Maine. Under the theme "On Land and at Sea: Safety and Health for Farmers, Fishermen, and Forestry Workers," the conference aims to address the unique challenges faced by these communities.

Early Bird Rates

• Member $575/Non-Member $675

Regular Rates (Post May 30, 2025)

• Member $675/Non-Member $775

American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Safety 25 Conference (July 22–24, Orlando, Florida)

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is set to host its premier event, Safety 2025, from July 22–24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

This conference offers a unique opportunity for agricultural safety professionals to engage with over 200 educational sessions, 500 exhibitors, and numerous networking events tailored to enhance safety practices across various industries, including agriculture.

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