Farm SOS, previously known as the Farm Family Resource Initiative, has partnered with the Illinois FFA Association to promote mental health within the agricultural community. Rachel Brown, a mental health specialist with Farm SOS, highlighted that the collaboration focuses on encouraging farmer mental health awareness through various initiatives.
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The organization has awarded grants to FFA chapters across Illinois to implement projects aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues. Brown referred to these as "Bend Don’t Break grants," explaining that participating chapters submit project ideas that contribute to community awareness about mental health. Last year, 20 chapters received funding to execute their plans.
The projects funded by these grants have included meal bags delivered to farmers during harvest, which incorporated mental health resources. Other chapters organized events, such as 5K runs, to engage students and the community in discussions about mental health.
Brown noted that the primary objective of these initiatives is to dispel misconceptions around mental health and to inform the farming community about available resources. Illinois agricultural professionals in need of assistance can contact 1-833-FARM-SOS for 24/7 support.