MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Today, leaders from several organizations across the state of Alabama participated in a Mental Health First Aid training hosted by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. The trainings are a vital part of the newly launched A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm initiative. The Alabama Department of Mental Health, an essential partner in this initiative, will provide the training and related resources.
The A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm initiative, including the Mental Health First Aid trainings, are funded by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network project grant awarded to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in October 2021. The goal is to provide outreach to Alabama farmers to raise awareness of the stress triggers associated with agriculture. The initiative will also offer information and resources to address mental health needs.
Governor Kay Ivey said, “I am pleased to see two very important areas – mental health and agriculture – working together, to bring the right resources and information to individuals who may be experiencing stress, anxiety or any kind of mental health condition. The A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm initiative is a great program, which will provide outreach to many farmers and organizations in our state, and I thank both agencies for their dedication to this vital work.”
Farmers state financial issues, business problems, and fear of losing their farms impact their mental health. Other factors included weather, the economy, and isolation. The most significant obstacles in seeking help or treatment for a mental health condition are cost, availability, accessibility and the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance.
“The A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm initiative will not only encourage farmers to reach out in times of stress but also train those who interact with them to recognize the warning signs of mental health issues,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate.
The Mental Health First Aid training will provide skills to help recognize the warning signs of a mental health crisis or condition and provide information for next steps for mental health care. Just as CPR can assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid can help someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis.
Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell said, “We are thankful to be a strategic partner in this training. Mental Health First Aid is a skill anyone can learn and use in their daily lives to help a friend or family member who may be experiencing mental health conditions. This initiative also expands the crucial work of decreasing stigma, which allows more individuals to openly seek mental health care when in need.”
In the Mental Health First Aid course, participants are made aware of risk factors and warning signs for mental health concerns, strategies to support someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations and resources for additional help.
Organizations participating in the training included:
- Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
- Alabama Cattlemen’s Association
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Alabama Department of Mental Health
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System
- Alabama Poultry and Egg Association
- Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee
- Alabama Wildlife Association
- Alabama Farmers Federation
- Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Councils
- Sweet Grown Alabama
To learn more about A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm and mental health resources in Alabama, visit agi.alabama.gov/hyhf.
CONTACT:
Liz Mooneyham
Program Coordinator; A Healthy You, A Healthy Farm
(334) 604-8268
liz.mooneyham@agi.alabama.gov