RELEASE: National Young Farmers Coalition supports bipartisan bill to address farmer mental health
Urges Congress to fund stress assistance in the upcoming farm bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 14, 2018) – The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) applauds the introduction of a bipartisan bill (H.R. 5259) that would provide critical resources for farmers experiencing emotional, physical, and financial distress. The STRESS Act, led by U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), would establish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) to coordinate stress assistance programs for farmers and ranchers, including crisis hotlines, educational and outreach services, and training for farmer advocates. The program was authorized by Congress in 2008 but has never received funding.