Farming is a stressful and challenging occupation. Farmers face multiple stressors including the weather, the market, and financial challenges. These high levels of stress contribute to high rates of suicide among the farming community. As an occupational group, farmers have one of the highest rates of suicide, and unfortunately mental health providers are limited in rural areas where farmers reside.
Colleagues at WKU created a training program to educate healthcare professionals from multiple disciplines to address these issues. This presentation describes the process and outcome of developing, implementing, and evaluating a 1-credit hour continuing education course, CRUSHing Farmer Suicide—Cultural Respect, Understanding, Sensitivity, and Humility.
Presenters:
M. Susan Jones, Professor Emerita, School of Nursing and Allied Health, WKU
Catherine Malin, Director of South-Central KY AHEC
Dawn Garrett-Wright, Professor, School of Nursing and Allied Health, WKU
Measurable Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to identify 3 reasons why farmers experience high levels of stress.
Participants will be able to describe the importance of cultural humility when working with farmers.
Participants will be able to identify the steps followed to create a 1-hour CE course on farmer suicide prevention.