The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are teaming up to offer conferences on Suicide Prevention for Rural Faith Leaders in Brainerd on September 27, 2022 and in Mankato on Sept, 29, 2022. Rural clergy and lay leaders of all faiths and denominations are welcome. “Suicide can be prevented, and…
Amidst a growing crisis, 40 Square Cooperative Solutions joins the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in urging that we all come “Together for Mental Health” — NAMI’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month in May — to fight stigma, raise awareness and advocate for a better mental health care system. While the COVID-19 pandemic is…
One of the many challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the urgent need to boost access to mental health care in rural Minnesota. A blueprint for positive change is now available thanks to a group of mental health professionals and other stakeholders who started working on the access issue even before the pandemic…
Agriculture is known as one of the most dangerous industries in America and abroad. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately two million full-time workers were employed in production agriculture in the US in 2018. About 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury every day. National Farm Safety and Health…
Suicide Bereavement in Farm Country Coping with loss is challenging. Loss can take on many forms – loss of a business, loss of a relationship or loss in a death of a friend or family member are a few examples. Death and dying test our coping skills in unique ways. People who die by suicide…
Staying alert in a stressful world Farming is a dangerous vocation in all four seasons. But every year when harvest rolls around, keeping alert and getting enough rest are especially critical to farmers’ mental and physical health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, chronic sleep debt can cause accidents involving drowsy driving, or operating a…
Not just another webinar: UMASH Expo to launch virtually When COVID-19 shut down county fair and outdoor trade show season across Minnesota, the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) challenged themselves to adapt and curate a unique virtual trade show. Their task? Try to avoid being just another webinar. Oh, and cut the…
MDA expands options for contacting Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering two new ways that farmers and others involved in agriculture can contact the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: text and email. “We want to make it as easy as possible for our farmers to get the help…