Missouri
To address the mental well-being challenges in rural Missouri, MU Extension has gathered a variety of resources for individuals, agricultural supporters, professionals, allies, and families. Among these mental well-being resources is free telehealth counseling provided by a licensed counselor familiar with the agricultural sector. In May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Missouri and its partners, including Missouri AgrAbility, collaborated to create the 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month Promotional Awareness Toolkit, available in both PDF and digital flipbook formats. For more information, visit the Missouri AgrAbility Show-Me Strong Farm Families resources.
Local teens in Oregon County initiated a 4-H Mental Health Awareness Campaign with guidance and support from Emily Doosing. Seven youth leaders created educational materials, organized peer outreach sessions, and arranged three school presentations for May. Early signs of success include strong support from the community and interest from local educators. The teen leaders expressed greater confidence in public speaking and advocacy, with one sharing, "Discussing mental well-being felt strange at first, but now I realize its importance. We need to check in on our friends, even when it's tough."
Summary of Outcomes for April 2025:
- Total youth reached: 72
- Youth reporting new knowledge (self-reported):
o Improvement in horse safety knowledge: +61% on pre- and post-survey
o 100% of participants learned at least one new rural safety strategy (ATV/Sun/First Aid) - Youth leaders involved in campaign development: 7
- Planned community presentations for Mental Health Awareness Month in May (youth-led): 3
- Feedback from teachers and parents indicates increased youth confidence, leadership, and sense of belonging in agriculture and health advocacy.
Submitted by Karen Funkenbusch
Showcasing events by the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) included a presentation at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Home and Community-Based Services Conference on April 3, attended by 200 case managers, service coordinators, intake specialists, and other professionals. Additionally, an exhibit was set up at the Missouri Coordinated School Health Conference on April 14-15, with 150 school staff members, including around 25 farmers. Another exhibit took place at the Keeley Construction Health Fair on April 23, where there were over 100 guests, including five farmers. Lastly, the BIA-MO Survivor and Family Seminar in western Missouri on April 26 featured MO AgrAbility as a program partner and exhibit, with 80 attendees, including individuals with brain injuries, their families, and 20 farmers.
Submitted Maureen Cunningham
Other News
During the Ripley County, Missouri, 4-H Roping and Hippology Clinic, Emily Doosing, a 4-H specialist, led a session focused on horse safety and prevention of secondary injuries. Twenty-three young youth participants engaged in safe haltering and tying practices, gained insights into equine behavior, and learned about personal protective measures for handling livestock. 
Pre- and post-surveys indicated a 61% improvement in their ability to identify basic horse safety procedures. One parent remarked, "She has always been a bit shy and uncertain, but after today, she couldn't stop sharing how she learned to rope and felt more confident around horses. She told me she now feels like she truly belongs in agriculture."
In Oregon County, Missouri, Emily Doosing, a 4-H Specialist, organized a 4-H safety day that engaged 47 young participants. The program covered essential topics such as ATV safety, hydration, sun protection, basic first aid, and emergency response planning. One teen remarked, "I had no idea how quickly heat exhaustion could set in until we discussed the symptoms."
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