(Sept. 25, 2026) – As we recognize Suicide Prevention Month, we want to share a few resources highlighted by the KHA Behavioral Health Committee. The resources are targeted at members of the farmer and rancher community, who are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.
We recognize health care providers across the state are doing important work, but we want to share a few examples. One is the Suicide Prevention Improvement Network as a part of the Health Innovations Network of Kansas. They have a number of resources listed that are tailored to our agricultural community..
Next is the partnership between Ellsworth County Medical Center and the K-State Extension's mental health resources in the ECMC Field Ready program. They provide both physical and mental health resources to farmers and ranchers in the field.
The final resource presented at the KHA Behavioral Health Committee meeting earlier this year is the AgAssist program provided by Prairie View in Newton and McPherson. The CCBHC provides up to six FREE mental health sessions for farmers and agricultural workers in Harvey, Marion and McPherson counties.
As financial and other stresses continue to mount in our agricultural community, these organizations can serve as examples and resources as we care for our friends and neighbors across the state.
--Larry Van Der Wege