State seeks health care partners for farm and ranch stress program

HELENA — The Montana Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for health care organizations to help facilitate its Montana Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Counseling Voucher Program.

To prioritize mental health in agricultural communities and improve access to trained professionals based in Montana, the department is launching a counseling voucher program to provide free mental health services to individuals involved in agriculture across the state. The department expects to award $250,000 in funds through the program which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.

“The most important part of any ag operation is its people,” said Christy Clark, Acting Director for Montana Department of Agriculture. “Recognizing that farming and ranching can be stressful and overwhelming at times, we will offer counseling vouchers to connect folks with professionals that have an appreciation for agriculture and the ability to help them find healthy paths forward.”

Health care organizations interested in applying can learn more about the program on the department’s website at http://agr.mt.gov/frsan . Applicants must be based in Montana, have the ability to offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, and should have a network of mental health counselors that are familiar with the stressors faced by agriculture producers. The application deadline is Dec. 6.

Several Montana agricultural organizations have already been awarded grant funds for mental health speakers, trainings and workshops through the department’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Mini-Grant Program. A Montana-focused ad campaign will soon begin its work to continue addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and connect Montanans involved in agriculture with tangible, effective resources as well.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit http://agr.mt.gov .