On two Tuesdays in June, Illinois Extension is offering online Mental Health First Aid training designed specifically for the agricultural community.
Courtesy of Illinois Extension
Mental health and substance use issues are widespread. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 630,000 people have lost their lives to drug overdoses in the past 20 years. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive support, awareness, and intervention.
Illinois Extension, in partnership with the Farm Family Resource Initiative and the SIU Medicine Center for Rural Health & Social Service Development, will host a farm-focused farm on Tuesdays, June 11 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We offer online mental health first aid training. Participants can choose the date that is most convenient for them.
“This one-day event is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively support individuals with mental health and substance use issues in the agricultural field,” said Tessa Hobbs-Curley, Extension family life educator. “Adult mental health first aid is essential because it helps individuals recognize the signs of mental health distress and respond with compassion and skill.”
Register for free at go.illinois.edu/MentalHealth-Ag . After registering, participants will receive instructions on how to complete pre-commitment tasks required for participation.
For more information or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Robin Ridgley at ridgley@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to ensure sufficient time to meet your access needs.
About Illinois Extension: Illinois Extension transforms research findings into action plans that help Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to change and opportunity. and leads public relations efforts at the University of Illinois. Illinois Extension is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
