Texas Dept. of Agriculture launches programs to help flood victims

Flooding across Central Texas
Photo credit Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The Texas Department of Agriculture is pushing resources out for more than just farmers and ranchers devastated by the recent flooding.

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says the Agri-Stress Health-line is now available for all Texans, not just those who get assistance from the Department.

"We will direct you to get some mental health treatment in your local community, in a rural area," Commissioner Miller said.
"So you don't have to drive to a metropolitan area."

He says the call takers are trained to provide the resources needed.

"You call us today and we're going to help you and we'll call you back tomorrow to check on you," Miller said. "We'll call you back the next day and the next day until we are absolutely positive that you are out of the woods."

Miller has also launched the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, or STAR Fund.

"That's money we raise from individuals from private entities, it's not taxpayer dollars," Miller said. "100 percent of that goes back into those communities."

Featured Image Photo Credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images