Online training available to better understand, treat farmers' health issues
Farming is one of the world’s most dangerous occupations. Stressors affecting men and women in the agricultural sector have increased in the past two years. Higher fuel costs, supply chain problems, extreme weather and the pandemic have made a difficult business even harder.
Left untreated, these pressures can lead to an assortment of health problems for farmers and their families. Clinicians can expect to see more depression, anxiety, isolation, burnout, mental and physical illness, accidents and injury.
A new program is designed to assist health care providers who treat a rural patient base. It offers insights and tips to help you assist the farmers in your community so they can be better prepared when they have a “tough row to hoe.”
The Farm Family Resource Initiative’s ‘Professional Development for Providers’ is an engaging educational module available at siumed.edu/cpd. It provides training on a variety of subjects relevant to rural environments and mental health care. A physician and licensed counselors offer guidance in the four-part course. Sessions include:
• Unique stressors of agriculture
• The pursuit of agriculture and its impact on families
• Aging on the farm
• Agricultural trauma
Registration for the course is free, and CME credits are available for providers and health care professionals.
Within the dropdown menu for ‘Learners,’ select ‘Online Learning’ and go to the course ‘Farm Family Resource Initiative - Professional Development for Providers.’
Additional resources to assist farmers and their caregivers are available at siumed.edu/farm. You’ll find links and information to a 24-hour hotline, telehealth counseling, webinars and more.
