Mental Health

Published: 2020
By Mary Rumph & Julie Riley

How many different stressors can you identify? MSU Extension has taken a key role and a multi-faceted approach to help people in our community manage a multitude of stress. MSU Extension agents Riley and Rumph are part of a statewide farm/ranch stress prevention advisory council that created an online Farm Stress Prevention website. The resource can help community members better understand the causes of stress and/or how they can become agents of change in their own stress prevention/management. The website includes fact sheets, articles, podcasts, webinars, easy-to-read tips for stress prevention/management, as well as links to local, state, and national resources. The clearinghouse website was launched the first of April and by November, more than 8,000 visitors have accessed the website and the Farm Stress Home Page had 1,876 views. Mental health access:
• Received a Dept. of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) $5,000 grant to promote wellness and educate the community about opioid misuse and treatment options.
• Created a Wellness Weekly advertising campaign to promote local mental health resources and education. Posts are shared weekly via newspaper, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Created a local mental health resources website.
• Received a second DPHHS $5,000 grant to continue the Wellness Weekly into 2021.