Faced with the COVID pandemic and rising prices on raw materials such as fuel and steel, it's no wonder farmers and ranchers are experiencing high levels of stress. Over the past year, the Colorado AgrAbility Program has participated in a series of meetings to establish a grant-funded network of agriculture-competent behavioral health professionals that can offer free therapy to farmers. Staff were able to offer suggestions on the need for therapists who are knowledgeable in farming culture.
Colorado AgrAbility is pleased to report that the Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health (CAAMHP) program is officially live, thanks to the support of Colorado Trust, Colorado Farm Bureau Foundation, and Energize Colorado.
Five licensed behavioral health professionals have completed the farm/ranch acculturation process. Three of those are now contracted to offer free services. Among those currently accepting new patient referrals from CAAMHP are a bilingual provider specializing in school-aged patient care, a marriage and family therapist, and an addiction counselor.
CAAMHP is also partnering with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, looking to broaden the potential reach of the cultural competencies to include any medical professional serving rural community members. See campforhealth.org.
Submitted by Jim Craig