VERMONT: Dairy Co-op Sends Farmers Suicide Hotline Numbers after Milk Prices Plummet
February 23, 2018
Dairy co-op Agri-Mark has provided local farmers with suicide prevention resources to help them cope with economic challenges. With milk prices at their lowest levels in two decades, the co-op recently sent its members information about market forecasts along with contact information for suicide hotlines and mental health services. A regional cooperative serving New England and New York, Agri-Mark is also developing a free member assistance program to help support farmers who are struggling. The letter from Agri-Mark Senior Vice President Bob Wellington acknowledged the stress facing the dairy industry and encouraged members to reach out for help. “Farm families are incredibly resilient, but some members may want to take advantage of helpful programs where they can talk with experts about work and financial stress, depression and anxiety, grief counseling, substance abuse, and family relationship issues.”
Spark Extra! Learn more about suicide prevention in rural areas.