(Sept. 25, 2026) – As we get to the end of Suicide Prevention Month, we want to share a few resources highlighted by the KHA Behavioral Health Committee. The resources are targeted toward our precious farmer and rancher community members, as they are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.
We realize work is being done by health care providers around the state, but we want to share some examples. One is the Suicide Prevention Improvement Network as a part of the Health Innovations Network of Kansas (HINK). They have a number of resources listed that tailor to our agriculture community.
Next is the partnership between Ellsworth County Medical Center and the K-State Extension Service 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 in 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 6 FREE mental health sessions for farmers and agricultural workers in Harvey, Marion and McPherson counties.
As financial and other stresses continue to mount on our agricultural community, these organizations can be examples and resources as we care for our friends and neighbors around the state.
--Larry Van Der Wege