Costa Leads Legislation to Expand Mental Health Resources for California Farmers and Rural Communities
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Randy Feenstra (IA-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the bipartisan Farmers First Act, which would expand and improve behavioral health services in rural communities and connect those in times of crisis with trained medical professionals to receive the personalized care that they need.
“More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Congress cannot continue to ignore the mental health crisis in America. Rural farming communities have limited or no access to mental health services - making it difficult for farmers, farmworkers, and their families to get the support they need,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to expand vital, life-saving mental health services here at home and across rural America.”
“Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa and the livelihood of farmers, their families, and rural communities across my district. Farming can be a lonely endeavor, and it can also be a stressful industry when the economy takes a turn for the worse, tornadoes and derechos devastate farmland, and animal diseases infect flocks and livestock – all of which impact the wellbeing of our producers,” said Rep. Feenstra. “As a strong voice for our farmers in Congress, I am proud to lead legislation to expand behavioral health resources in our rural communities and connect our farmers with medical professionals who can provide the care that our producers deserve. I thank my colleagues – Reps. Mike Bost, Zach Nunn, Jim Costa, and Angie Craig – for joining me on this worthy mission to ensure that our hardworking farmers have access to the resources that they need to continue their selfless work feeding and fueling our country and the world.”
“Farmers and farm workers are some of the toughest, hardest working people I know, but farming is a uniquely stressful job and we’ve got to get them the support they need,” said Rep. Angie Craig.“I’m working across the aisle to ensure that farmers and rural Americans know that there are resources available to them to help deal with stress and mental health challenges.”
“Our farmers and producers are the backbone of our nation’s economy; and their job isn’t easy. It’s a stressful business where livelihoods can be impacted by outside – and sometimes uncontrollable – factors, like market conditions, financial pressures, and the weather,” said Rep. Mike Bost. “It’s important that they have somewhere to turn in times of need. I’m proud to help lead this legislation to expand access to mental health services for our hardworking Americans in rural communities. They need to know they are not alone, and that help is available.”
“Iowa’s farmers are critical to the American economy, providing the essential service of feeding and fueling our country. Sadly, farmers are also three and a half times more likely to commit suicide than the general population, which is exactly why the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is so important,” said Rep. Zach Nunn. “We’re introducing the bipartisan Farmers First Act to ensure farmers have the help, care, and services they need to thrive.”
The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) connects individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching, and other ag-related occupations to stress assistance programs. Through this program, state entities and extension services, and non-profits receive funding to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, and create support groups for farmers and farmworkers.
The Farmers First Act would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), increase funding to a total of $15,000,000 annually over the next five years, and allow FRSAN regional centers to establish referral connections with certified community behavioral health clinics, critical access hospitals, and rural health centers.
The bill is supported by National Farmers Union, National Rural Health Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Agricultural Retailers Association, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, National Young Farmers Coalition, Organic Trade Association, American Psychological Association Services, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Rural & Agriculture Council of America, NCBA CLUSA, Farm Credit Council, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Organic Farmers Association, National Pork Producers Council, American Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Farm Aid, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Sustainable Food Policy Alliance (SFPA), National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Organic Coalition, Farmer Veteran Coalition, and American Farm Bureau Federation.
The full text of the bill can be found HERE.