Registration is now open for the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) Mental Health Workshops. Funded by the Rural Maryland Council (RMC) and The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the purpose of these workshops is to bring awareness to Mental Health in rural
areas.
While not often talked about in our industry, farmers have one of the highest suicide rates of any job in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Farmers are also among the highest risk professions for drug abuse and alcoholism.
MASCD, in partnership with University of Maryland Extension, is hoping to make a change in that trend within the state of Maryland. Through these workshops, individuals working in the field with farmers on a daily basis will receive training to detect early warning signs and prevention methods for severe mental stress and substance abuse.
These workshops will be targeted towards, but not limited to, agribusiness professionals, crop consultants, extension agents, farm bureau leaders, nutrient management planners, agricultural lenders and soil conservation district employees. Farmers and farm families are also welcomed and encouraged to attend.
To register for the workshops, please visit https://mascdmentalhealth.eventbrite.com or contact
Danielle Bauer, 443-262-8491 or Danielle.mdag@gmail.com.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental stress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).