Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. says suicide is a big problem for the people of rural America. Sen. Marshall is launching a new mental health awareness campaign focused on the mental health of farmers here in Kansas and across the U.S. The campaign aims to decrease the stigma around mental health and raise awareness to the resources and tools available in the state. Sen. Marshall was a guest Tuesday Morning on KNSS' Steve and Ted in the Morning.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Sen. Marshall says farmers and ranchers have a suicide rate three-and-a-half times any other profession. They have a lot of stress in their lives because of the drought, high interest rates, and crop failures. The campaign highlights the new 988 National Suicide Hotline as well as numerous community mental health centers across the state as available resources for Kansas residents. Also highlighted are the efforts of K-State Research and Extension's Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. For more information or for resources visit Kansasagstress.org.