Events and webinars

2025 Rural Mental Health Summit
conference

2025 Rural Mental Health Summit

Thursday, May 15 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 pm
AGRICENTER | 14171 CAROLE DR | BLOOMINGTON, IL


TO REGISTER
Online: Conferenceservices.siu.edu
Call: 618-713-0759
Registration Fee: $40 per person
Deadline to Register: May 8, 2025

The 2025 Rural Mental Health Summit will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Agricenter in Bloomington, IL. Hosted by the SIU Medicine Farm Family Resource Initiative, the event aims to bring together health professionals, faith leaders, nonprofits, and community leaders to foster dialogue, share insights, and develop partnerships to better serve rural Illinois residents.

This summit builds on previous events, such as the 2023 Rural Mental Health Summit, which highlighted key issues like high suicide rates among farmers, the need for flexible mental health services, peer support, and strategies for reducing stigma around mental health in rural communities.

Grief Support Group graphic

There is no charge to participate thanks to the generous financial support provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Division of Mental Health.

WEBINAR

Grief Support Group

Navigating through the emotions of grief and sorrow during a loss can feel incredibly challenging. Our grief support groups offer a confidential space for individuals to openly express their feelings, engage in discussions, find solace, and extend comfort to those who have lost a loved one.

Apr 28 | May 19 | June 30
7-8 pm | Virtual
For more information or to register, please contact Rachel Brown at  
217-718-6315 or rachelbrown.lpc24@gmail.com. 
Link to join will be sent upon registration

MEET THE HOST:
Rachel grew up on a family farm in Mercer County and spent almost five years working for an agriculture company prior to becoming a counselor. Through internships at SIU Center for Family Medicine and Pepper Brown & Associates in Springfield, IL, she gained skills and interventions necessary to help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, grief and more.

Harvest a Healthier You: Wellness Strategies for Farm Families

Am I Drinking Too Much?
Am I Depressed?
Coping With Loss
Divorce On The Farm
Transitioning The Farm Legacy
Webinar series
Am I Drinking Too Much?
It is common for alcohol to be used as a coping strategy in an effort to deal with stress. However, the outcome of excessive alcohol use is never positive. Learn about 14 signs that drinking may be a problem, reasons why people drink too much, and what to do if you or someone you care about has a problem.
Am I Depressed?
Farmers and ranchers with depression have common symptoms and risk factors. Learn about the significance of seeking help, considering counseling and medication, exercise and diet, as well as resources for individuals experiencing depression and those concerned about a friend or family member who might be struggling.
Coping With Loss
Will I ever stop crying? Grief and loss are common on the farm on a variety of levels. Learn about types of grief, stages of grief, and helpful strategies to implement during a time of grief and loss.
Divorce On The Farm
Divorce is never easy and divorcing while operating a farm can be especially complex. ILearn about the impacts of divorce and things you can do to deal with the stress of a divorce situation.
Transitioning The Farm Legacy
Family farm transitions can be complex from a legal and financial standpoint, however it is the emotional impact that often derails best-laid plans and intentions. Learn about the stressors related to farm transitions for both the outgoing and incoming generation as well as strategies to help the process advance smoothly.
AgriSafe Nurse Scholar thumbnail
CONTINUING NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAM

AgriSafe Nurse Scholar Program

The AgriSafe Nurse Scholar program is a distance learning opportunity designed for rural nurses. Experienced health & safety educators share their expertise in prevention, identification, and assessment of diseases related to agricultural work exposures. Classes are in the form of webinars to be viewed on your own time. Nurses who complete this course will be eligible for 23 hours ANCC contact hours.

Applications are open for the 2025 Nurse Scholar program. Scholarships available. 
• Be employed by a rural health clinic, FQHC, government agency, non-profit hospital or organization, or work in academia
• Demonstrate an interest and ability to integrate learnings into their practices
• Work in a rural and medically