Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and NY FarmNet, in collaboration with Rural Minds, have introduced a free online course titled “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America.” This course aims to equip participants with practical strategies and resources to address mental health challenges in rural areas.
Specifically designed for veterinarians, agribusiness professionals, and veterinary students, the course covers rural mental health issues, including suicide, and offers ways to reduce their impact in the profession.
In a statement released by Cornell, it is reported rural communities have approximately 65 percent higher rates of suicide in their population compared to urban areas. Further, farmers are reportedly twice as likely to die y suicide than those in other occupations.
“As a dairy farmer, I know firsthand that veterinarians are an integral part of all rural communities. And they may be among the first to see warning signs that a client is experiencing a mental health challenge but may not recognize those same signs in themselves,” said Jeff Winton, a Cornell alum and founder and chairman of Rural Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health in rural America.
In addition, there is also the challenge in access to care. It is reported rural areas have 20 percent fewer primary care providers than urban areas, with 65 percent of rural counties lacking a psychiatrist. Further, many rural community members have expensive or nonexistent internet service and lack adequate health insurance coverage.
The course offers practical advice for addressing mental health challenges, including how to identify and respond to warning signs. It also provides important information on resources, such as crisis hotline numbers and local support services.
For more information, visit the Cornell website.