CHERI BURCHAM Family Life Educator
The North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center, funded by a USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network grant, is comprised of lead agencies representing 12 states, including Illinois.
Its purpose is to ensure that you, your family, and those you work with have access to the resources you need, when you need them. The Center believes in working together to foster rural supports, mental health resources, and communities to help farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers cope with increased stress.
As part of this effort, nine Illinois Extension Educators completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor training. These educators have trained her 89 adults at MHFA, her 59 adults at Youth MHFA. Trainees included agribusiness experts, extension educators, and others who have daily contact with agricultural producers.
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A post-training evaluation was conducted to measure the success of the training. After completing the MHFA training, 100% of participants reported knowing the following:
- 5-Step MHFA Action Plan Statement
- Early signs that may affect individuals experiencing mental health issues
- Acts within the scope of emergency personnel
- How to deal with feelings of discomfort and frustration associated with providing MHFA
Additionally, participants reported the following successes:
- More knowledgeable about adult MHFA and the role of first aiders (69%)
- Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use problems (65%)
- Can explain how paramedics deal with discomfort (63%)
- Can have supportive conversations with adults who are experiencing signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use issues (53%)
- ALGEE action plan can be used to help adults experiencing mental health or substance use issues with appropriate resources (71%)
- When asked if they can respond to a drug use crisis and know what to do to protect their personal safety, 75% said they felt more confident
To learn more about setting up training, finding upcoming training, or other resources, contact your local extension office or visit us online at www.farmstress.org.
To learn more about University of Illinois Unit 19 Programming or to read helpful articles, visit extension.illinois.edu/ccdms, call 217-345-7034, or contact cburcham@illinois.edu.
Burnout is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that can often occur as a result of long-term stress.
Cheri Burcham is a family life educator at U of I Extension. Please contact cburcham@illinois.edu.
