NFSHW 2021: Developing and Implementing a Pilot Agricultural Community Suicide Prevention Program for Farmers and Farm Families

Last updated on September 22nd, 2021 at 04:57 pm

Summary: This presentation describes a pilot community-based suicide prevention program. Eighteen trainers from various farmer-connected groups such as commodity groups, equipment dealers, farm safety trainers, teachers, ministers, and rural health nurses obtained credentials as QPR (Question-Persuade-Refer) trainers. Over 450 persons were trained from these constituent groups in an 8-month period of time using training materials customized for the farming community. Using a Community of Practice framework challenges and successes in establishing mutual engagement, joint enterprise, a shared repertoire, and meaning in practice. Program revisions and the next steps forward are discussed.

Intended Audience: Agricultural Safety & Health Professionals, Rural Community healthcare workers, social service professionals, Agricultural Extension

Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to….
1. Identify unique emotional stressors for farmers and farm families
2. Understand the basic tenets and approach of the QPR Suicide Prevention Program and adaptions that are appropriate for implementation with farmers and farm families
3. Understand useful strategies for identifying community partners to build coalitions to support farmer and farm families to access and utilize support services.
4. Identify elements of the Community of Practice framework for application to the development of community-based farmer mental health support networks.

Presenter: Joan Mazur, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Southeast Center for Agricultural Health & Injury Prevention, University of KY, College of Agriculture, Food & Environment.

Watch the Recording Here