DECATUR, Ill. – A pilot program that started in Central Illinois is now being expanded to the rest of the state, and it’s one aimed at helping farmers.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture says the USDA has awarded the state a $500,000 grant that will help address stress and mental health issues among farmers.
“Farmers are stewards of their livestock. They’re stewards of crops. But, many times, they don’t take the time to care for themselves,” said Jerry Costello, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director.
The federal grant will help make hotlines available for farmers, provide mental health counselors with training to address farmers’ issues, and provide mental health first aid training.
The announcement was made during the annual Farm Progress Show, going on this week in Decatur.
