No abstract

A number of current events are exacerbating farm stress. Extension and farm organizations have mobilized responses to an emerging mental health crisis among farmers. To evaluate these responses, we conducted an online scan of resources to present a baseline typology of current mental health programs and response efforts in the 12-state Extension North Central Region. We classified responses by type of program, target audience, and delivery format. We identified the need to train mental health counselors and state suicide hotline responders on farm issues and farm culture.

To understand the needs and policy priorities of family caregivers, the Advisory Council commissioned research: first, through a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register, which garnered roughly 1600 responses. Qualitative analysis revealed that family caregivers have diverse needs spanning their financial security as well as their needs for caregiver-focused supports; recommendations were similarly diverse, including requests for caregiver pay, improved access to respite, and other major policy changes. These findings fed into 12 focus groups focusing on diverse populations of caregivers, yielding more depth around caregiver priorities. Six stakeholder listening sessions built on these results, aiming to develop concrete suggestions for a national caregiver strategy – a key outcome of the Advisory Council. Such strategies ranged from a major publicity campaign creating awareness of family caregivers, to suggestions on implementing caregiver assessments, to more ambitious goals such as improved financing for long term services and supports more broadly.

The work of caregiving can make it difficult to sustain employment. This study aimed to clarify what family caregivers themselves think is important in remaining employed, as part of work mandated under the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act of 2018. Data came from a Request for Information promulgated by the Administration for Community Living, resulting in 1147 family caregiver responses, and 12 focus groups. Findings support many goals identified by caregiver-advocates, such as expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act, and access to paid time off and sick leave; caregivers also value flexible work arrangements. However, the study further revealed a need for supportive work environments that protect caregivers against workplace discrimination and negative attitudes held by both managers and colleagues, and thus for employer education about the caregiving experience as well as caregivers’ needs for workplace supports and benefits, and possibly anti-discrimination legislation.