Organizations work to address high rate of suicide among Georgia farmers

Data from the National Rural Health Association shows that farmers are 3 to 5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Also, a 2022 report from the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Survey by Mercer University reveals at least 29% of farmers have thought about suicide at least once a month.

On Tuesday, for the final show of our National Suicide Prevention and Awareness series, “Closer Look” show host Rose Scott talked to Dr. John McElveen, the director of The Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance, and Natalie Roy, the CEO of AgriSafe Network.

They discussed the unique stressors that Georgia growers and producers face and the lack of access to mental health services in rural areas of the state. They also shared how their respective organizations are working to address suicide amongst Georgia farmers.