Free suicide prevention course available for rural veterinarians, farm workers

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and NY FarmNet, in partnership with Rural Minds, has launched a free online course, “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America,” designed to give learners practical support strategies and resources to navigate mental health challenges in rural communities.

Tailored for veterinarians, agribusiness professionals and veterinary students, the course reviews specific mental health issues, including suicide, in rural America and provides information to mitigate them. All those with an interest are welcome to access the course at eCornell.

“As a dairy farmer, I know firsthand that veterinarians are an integral part of all rural communities. And they may be among the first to see warning signs that a client is experiencing a mental health challenge but may not recognize those same signs in themselves,” said Jeff Winton, a Cornell alum and founder and chairman of Rural Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health in rural America.

Research has shown that rural communities have approximately 65% higher rates of suicide in their population compared to urban areas. Farmers are twice as likely than those in other occupations to die by suicide—a statistic likely exacerbated by financial instability and isolation.

Rural community members also face barriers to care. Rural areas have 20% fewer primary care providers than urban areas, with 65% of rural counties lacking a psychiatrist. Furthermore, many rural community members have expensive or nonexistent internet service and lack adequate health insurance coverage.

“Professionals working in rural-agricultural regions face immense challenges related to stress and mental health,” said Adam Howell, NY FarmNet’s outreach director. “NY FarmNet is proud to see this new educational initiative come to fruition as we work together to alleviate the mental health crisis afflicting rural communities across America.”

The course provides practical tips to help with mental health challenges, including recognizing and responding to warning signs, as well as providing key information on resources such as crisis hotline numbers and local support.