5/22/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Alexandria Ward, Farm Aid’s Farmer Services Network Manager, for a focus on Farm Aid’s Mental Health Hotline, aiming to provide aid to Farmers nationwide. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health issues are a major concern for all types of workers in the farming and agriculture industry. Farm Aid’s hotline operators are familiar with agriculture and with resources for farmers around  the country; they work with hotline callers to find the best resources for their individual  situation, whether they are looking for assistance with farm stress, financial issues, legal  questions or business-related questions.  All farmers  can call the hotline at 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243). The Hotline hours are M-F,  9am-9pm ET and 6am-6pm PT. The suicide rate has been higher for farmers than for the general  population for decades, and a 2017 front-page story in The Guardian brought it to America’s attention. It’s a harsh reality about farmers: people working in agriculture in the U.S.  — including farmers, farm laborers, ranchers, fishers and lumber harvesters — take their lives  at a rate higher than any other occupation.  

Alexandria comes to the Farm Aid  team from a varied background in food systems. Most recently Alexandria worked in the  farmers market world where she supported a large network of farmers and producers in the  Mid-Atlantic. Her work has also included academic research, policy, and advocacy. Alexandria  is constantly inspired by the farmers in this country, and the individuals and organizations that  have worked tirelessly to support small scale agriculture, and sustainable and equitable food  systems.

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