National Farm Safety and Health Week webinar to focus on farm youth mental health

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 16, 2022

CONTACT: Scott Heiberger
Heiberger.scott@marshfieldresearch.org
715-207-1604                          

National Farm Safety and Health Week webinar to focus on farm youth mental health

A free webinar, “Farm youth mental health: What we know and how to help,” will be presented 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (CDT) on Sept. 21 as part of a National Farm Safety and Health Week series hosted by AgriSafe.

“Caring for both the physical and emotional health of our next generation is crucial,” said Josie Rudolphi, Ph.D., assistant professor and Extension specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “From adapting to changes to feeling overwhelmed, like adults, children also experience stress and anxiety; however, they may be unsure of what they are feeling and how to respond. We will recognize causes of stress among youth living in farming and rural communities and highlight the resources available to assist families.”

Rudolphi's research focuses on mental health conditions among agricultural populations. She is principal investigator on the Farm Adolescent & Mental Health study with the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. She is also director of the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance, a 12-state collaborative that increases and expands stress and mental health services to agricultural producers, workers, and their families.

Rudolphi will co-present with Jana Davidson, M.Ed., program manager for Progressive Agriculture Foundation. Davidson leads the Foundation's program team overseeing day-to-day and long-range program operations, while continuing to strengthen the overall reach, impact, and outcomes of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day programs.

AgriSafe will be hosting two free webinars each day of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 19-23. Based on the daily themes of tractor and roadway safety, overall worker health, children and youth, confined spaces, and women's health, AgriSafe has partnered with experts from across the country to share the latest research and education.

Whether you intend to come to one session or all 10, register for a free ticket today.

Protecting young agricultural workers

Mental health is one of two presentations on Sept. 21. From noon to 1 p.m. (CDT), Diane Rohlman, Ph.D., University of Iowa and Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest, will present, “Protecting and promoting the health of young agricultural workers: The role of employers and supervisors.” Click here to register. There are many benefits for hiring youth in agriculture, including the development of job skills, increased self-esteem, responsibility, and earned income. However, adolescents and young adults working in agriculture (under 25 years old) are at increased risk for occupational injuries. Communicating effectively with young workers about health and safety hazards that impact injury risk is key to protecting this population. Check out this online training tool developed with support from the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.

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Youth Feeding Calves Calf Starter (.jpg)

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