CHETEK, Wis. (WJMC) — Last week, Gov. Tony Evers was in Chetek to talk with local farmers about challenges in accessing mental healthcare services.
At Berglane Farms in rural Chetek, the governor met with Sam and Brittany Olson, fifth-generation dairy farmers. Brittany Olson said farming is only getting more stressful.
“Unfortunately, as farm numbers continue to dwindle, the economic pressures on farmers are ramping up. And so are mental health issues as well,” Olson said. “It’s very common to struggle mentally when you are working harder and harder and still not able to catch up and keep your bills paid.”
Evers said his new Office of Violence Prevention would provide $10 million in grants for concerns like farmer suicide prevention efforts.
“Whether you’re experiencing an acute mental health crisis, or just need a therapist, it’s very hard to get the care that you need, especially in this part of the state, where you’re looking at a three-hour drive to the closest in-patient mental healthcare facility,” Olson explained of the healthcare gaps.
The Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection has a Farmer Wellness Helpline, at 888-901-2558.
For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis dial 9-8-8 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.
