SALT LAKE CITY — For nearly a year, Utah agriculture sustainers have had access to a new voucher program to help pay for behavioral health care.
This voucher is a key part of the Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (ASAP) launched in March 2023 by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) and Utah State University (USU) Extension Ag Wellness.
Eligible farmers and ranchers who applied received up to $2,000 worth of behavioral and mental health vouchers for free. UDAF has secured $280,000 in federal grant funding for the vouchers, according to UDAF Public Affairs Officer Bailey Woolstenhulme.
But Woolstenhulme explained that the subsidy will run out by December 2023, about nine months after the voucher program began.
“I don’t think anyone expected it to go this quickly,” she explained. “It’s good that it’s being used, but it’s also unfortunate that people have to take advantage of it.”
Josh Darin, associate professor and director of USU’s Bastian Agricultural Center in southern Jordan, agrees.
About 250 farmers and producers used the vouchers to secure 1,603 doctor’s appointments, according to data tracked by his office.
Dallin said his office continues to receive about 11 to 20 calls a week from people asking about vouchers to continue mental health services.
“I think the biggest message that needs to get out is that it has made a huge difference in the lives of the people who have taken advantage of this and the people who have asked for help,” Dallin said.
But Dallin is now concerned that the company is running out of money and there is no clear path to raising more money.
He said they are actively working with UDAF to identify potential funding sources such as public donations, grant opportunities and state funding options as avenues they are exploring. .
In the meantime, USU Extension Ag Wellness is offering free resources and encouraging people to take advantage of them.
In addition, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 to those in distress.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that ranchers and farmers are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide than other occupations in the United States.