A Mercer County High School grad is promoting a mental health resource for farmers.
The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine developed the Illinois Farm Family Resource Initiative, which is available to all Illinois farm families. The purpose of the initiative is to provide a range of resources, including a helpline to assist with farmer and farm-related issues that include mental and physical health needs.
Rachel Brown is a licensed professional counselor at Pepper, Brown & Associates in Springfield. She says taking the first step in receiving mental health support is often the hardest.
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The Illinois Farm Family Resource Initiative helpline is 1-833-327-6767. Brown says calling the helpline can refer you to a counselor who can provide up to six free sessions.
Brown is an approved provider with the Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program.
She’s a 2013 Mercer County High School grad.
