III
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 710
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 23, 2024
Mrs. Fischer (for herself, Mr. Bennet, and Ms. Stabenow) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
June 17, 2024
Committee discharged; considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day
to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
Whereas, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture of the Department of Agriculture, 3,370,000 producers, less than 2 percent of the population of the United States, provide high-quality food, fuel, and fiber to the United States and abroad;
Whereas, according to the Economic Policy Institute, there are approximately 1,600,000 farmworkers in the United States;
Whereas, according to the National Rural Health Association, the rate of suicide among farmers is 3.5 times greater than among the general population;
Whereas, according to the Mortality-Linked National Health Interview Survey, suicide rates among farmworkers are 1.4 times higher than rates across all other occupations;
Whereas May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
; and
Whereas the stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health persists and acknowledging this public health crisis and creating awareness is as important as ever: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
designates May 29, 2024, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day
to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness;
recognizes the important role of individuals in agriculture as providers of high-quality products to the United States and the world;
seeks to create awareness for the unique challenges agricultural producers and workers face, such as weather unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm succession, and fluctuating commodity and market prices;
highlights the resources available through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) of the Department of Agriculture in connecting agricultural producers and workers to stress assistance programs; and
encourages all to observe Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness for current and future agricultural producers and workers.