Rural Utahns in need of extra mental health services

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah farmers and ranchers are twice as likely to die by suicide, but a one-time program helping them deal with mental health struggles is out of money.

The USDA developed the Farm Ranch Stress Assistance Program around the end of 2023 to help struggling farmers and ranchers.

“This is a one-time subsidiary that was given, and what we really would love to see is ‘What does that next step look like? How could we identify, you know, a funding line where something so needed could be continuous?'” said Josh Dallin, executive director for Utah State University’s Bastian Agricultural Center.

Dallin said they expected that grant money to last about a year, but they used it all in four months.

“There was $380,000 that was spent in a four-month period of time, and that served close to 270 (to) 275 individuals.”

Read more: Utah health leaders share findings, work to combat mental health crisis

Many farms and ranches have been a significant part of Utah families for generations. There are fifth, sixth, and seventh generation farmers who don’t want to be the ones to lose the family farm or ranch.

This is just one issue adding to their overwhelming stress. Many farmers and ranchers also feel their work is misunderstood. They are responsible for conserving the water and preserving the land, while also producing the food we need and providing for their families.

Dallin said they hope to find a way to care for Utah’s farmers and ranchers, either through another grant or individual donations.

He also said it’s important for people to know the warning signs and be familiar with the resources available for people who need mental health services.

---

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.

These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services

Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.

Follow @KSLMichele