Crisis Support for Agricultural Communities
Now available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming!
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 833-897-2474
If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
What is the AgriStress Helpline?
The AgriStress Helpline® is a free and confidential crisis and support line that you can call or text 24/7. Phone calls have interpretation available in 160 languages, and text message services are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The helpline is answered by trained professionals who can offer support and help you find mental health and agriculture-related resources in your area. We know that agriculture is unique – that is why our crisis specialists have received training on the factors that impact people working in agriculture. VIA LINK, the crisis call center that answers the line, is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and Inform USA (formerly known as the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems).
Want more info? Check out these resources:
Interview with Scott Simon on Weekend Edition from NPR.
AgriStress Helpline Video
How is the AgriStress Helpline different than 988?
Both the AgriStress Helpline and 988 offer the same quality of suicide crisis services – but our crisis specialists have extra training to know the culture, values, stressors, and lived experiences of agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers. In addition, crisis specialists have access to a state specific curated database of agricultural and health resources.
Why do agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers need their own helpline?
Good health, including mental health, is a key factor in one’s ability to keep working. Social and geographical isolation, weather variability (such as extreme droughts or flash floods), limited access to health services, and fluctuating commodity prices have a direct impact on ag workers’ mental health. Stigma and privacy concerns associated with mental health may mean that many people do not seek out available behavioral health services. Knowing that the people who answer the AgriStress Helpline understand the unique stressors and situations of agriculture, forestry, and fishing, can lower some of those barriers and might encourage the industry workers to reach out.
How can I get the AgriStress Helpline in my state?
Watch this video from September 19, 2022, to find out how you can secure the AgriStress Helpline for your state!
What happens when I call or text the AgriStress Helpline?
When you call or text the line, you will be connected with a crisis intervention specialist who is ready to listen, provide emotional support, or provide you with resources. All callers will be offered a 24-hour follow-up call if they so prefer.
Who can call the AgriStress Helpline?
Anyone living in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, or Wyoming can call the helpline. We will not turn any callers away. If you’d like some examples of who calls the line, you may check out our anonymous stories of success.
How can I get involved or help to market the helpline?
Check out our Get Involved page for ways you can help promote mental well-being in your community! This page also includes links to the marketing materials for each state!
Media inquiries and questions
Members of the media with questions about the AgriStress Helpline are encouraged to reach out to Laura Siegel, AgriSafe’s Health Communications Officer, at lsiegel@agrisafe.org. For general inquiries about the AgriStress Helpline, contact Chief Executive Officer Natalie Roy at nroy@agrisafe.org.
The AgriStress Helpline states are supported by:
This work is supported by: funding from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture; funding from the Missouri Department of Agriculture; funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, grant no. 2021-70035-35380, from the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture; funding from the Texas Department of Agriculture; funding from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, grant no. 2021-70035-35649, from the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture; and funding from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, grant no. 2021-70035-35378, from the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The AgriStress Helpline in Oregon is generously supported by an appropriation from the Oregon Legislature to the Oregon State University Foundation, private donations from Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization and the Roundhouse Foundation, the Oregon State University Extension Service, and College of Health.