May is Mental Health Awareness month. Farmers across our country, state and nation take such great care of the land and their livestock. But sometimes they forget to take care of themselves. During May and Mental Health awareness month, we want to remind farmers to put yourself first. A healthy farm needs a healthy you. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, or other mental health challenges, you are not alone. Reach out and ask for help. For signs and symptoms, as well as helpful tools, resources, and hotlines, go to https://www.ilfb.org/resources/farmer-rural-resources/mental-health-wellness/ . Remember… We Are Stronger Together.  

Take the Initiative: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health and promote resources and support. This is especially important for farmers, whose mental health is often overlooked and under-addressed. In recent years, mental health has become a prevalent topic in our daily lives. The constant change and stress, compounded by the pandemic, have left many people feeling depressed or anxious, and farmers are no exception. Fortunately, help is available through SIU Medicine's program designed to assist farmers and their families. The Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI) provides a network of support and resources, including a confidential 24/7 helpline (1-833-FARM-SOS) connecting you to health professionals who specialize in ag-related stress. These medical professionals live in Illinois and can relate to the local economy, weather, and other daily stressors specific to our region. In addition to text, email, and website services, telehealth counseling sessions are available for those in need of additional support. Up to six individual, couple, or group sessions are available, all at no cost to the farmer or farm family member thanks to grant funding. FFRI Ag Resource Specialist Karen Stallman understands the challenges that farm families may encounter, having lived on a farm in southern Illinois. "In farming, there tends to be a new challenge each day, and nothing seems easy," Stallman says. FFRI also offers opportunities for healthcare professionals to learn more about farming-related issues and earn CME credits through its Rural Community Mental Health program. The virtual training illuminates how mental and physical health issues can impact those working in farming and agriculture. To learn more, visit siumed.edu/farm/events-and-webinars. The AgriSafe Nurse Scholar Program is also available to rural nurses through on-demand webinars, increasing their knowledge in the prevention, identification, and assessment of diseases related to agricultural work exposures. Find more details by visiting learning.agrisafe.org/nurse-scholar-program. It is crucial to recognize that mental health care is not a luxury and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The Family Farm Resource Initiative is just one example of the resources available to those in agriculture who may be struggling with their mental health. Please check on friends, family members, and neighbors regularly. Spread the word about the Farm Family Resource Initiative and encourage others to reach out and talk to someone. It may save the life of someone you know! This Mental Health Awareness Month, let us continue to advocate for mental health care and support in the agricultural community and beyond. Let us work together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage those who may be struggling to reach out for help. Together, we can promote healing and well-being for all. Find more information about the FFRI at siumed.org/farm.

Helping Hands: Community Rallies for Food and Cleaning Supply Drives

As economic challenges persist, many families in our community struggle to afford

essential household items, from nutritious food to basic cleaning supplies. Two vital

community-driven initiatives are launching to address this pressing need: The Nourish

Your Neighbor Food Drive and the Sparkle and Shine Cleaning Supply Drive. Together,

these efforts will provide families with the nourishment and cleaning essentials they

need to maintain a healthy and dignified life.

Healthy food is a crucial part of a balanced diet, yet many food-insecure families

struggle to access nutritious foods. The Nourish Your Neighbor Food Drive aims to

bridge this gap by collecting non-perishable food items for distribution.

A clean home is vital for health and well-being, but for many struggling families,

cleaning supplies fall low on the priority list. The Sparkle and Shine Cleaning Supply

Drive seeks to change that by collecting essential household cleaning items. By

donating cleaning supplies, community members can help create healthier living

environments for struggling families.

Both drives will run from May 1 to May 31, 2025. Community members can support the

initiatives by dropping off food or cleaning supplies at the following locations: Dixon Park

District, Dixon YMCA, Lee County Health Department, Mount Carroll Farm Bureau,

Save-A-Lot in Rock Falls, and the Dixon City Market (only on May 28 from 4 PM to 8

PM, in front of the Discover Dixon office.

Making a Difference Together

A full pantry and a clean home can provide families with a sense of security and

stability. By coming together as a community, we can ensure that no one is left behind.

Whether through food or cleaning supplies, every donation makes a difference.

For more information, contact:

Marcia Cruse – SNAP-Ed Program Coordinator at University of Illinois Extension

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 815-632-3611

Lupita Serrano – Emergency Response & Community Health Plan Coordinator, Lee

County Health Department

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 815-284-3371, ext. 2105

Jane Shaw, Carroll County 4-H Program Coordinator at University of Illinois Extension

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 815-244-9444