Free suicide prevention course for rural veterinarians

W PRODUCTION/Adobe Stock

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and NY FarmNet have partnered with Rural Minds to launch a free online course, “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Rural America.”¹ The course is designed to provide learners with support strategies and to serve as a resource for the navigation of mental health challenges in rural communities.

The course is designed with veterinarians, agribusiness professionals, and veterinary students in mind. It provides practical tips to help handle mental health challenges, including recognition and response to warning signs. Information about resources, from crisis hotline numbers to local support options, are included in the course, which can be accessed via eCornell.^1,2

“As a dairy farmer, I know firsthand that veterinarians are an integral part of all rural communities,” Jeff Winton, chairman of Rural Minds, and Cornell University alum, said in a news release.¹ “[Veterinarians] may be among the first to see warning signs that a client is experiencing a mental health challenge but may not recognize those same signs in themselves.”

The CDC reports that, since 2000, suicide rates have been consistently higher in rural America than in more urban areas.⁵ Rates have increased 46% in non-metro areas, compared to 27.3% in metro areas. The same demographic of rural Americans are 1.5 times more likely to visit an emergency department for nonfatal self-harm.⁵

A 2019 study confirmed that suicide is more likely among veterinarians than the general population. Specifically, 1.6 and 2.4 times more likely, for male and female veterinarians, respectively.⁶ Suicide is 5 times more likely for male technicians and technologists, and 2.3 more likely for female technicians and technologists, compared to the general population.⁶

These higher rates can be attributed to a number of factors, including pressure to perform, emotionally draining work, debt and financial pressures, long work hours, among other things. Considering the significantly higher prevalence of suicide in both rural areas and throughout the veterinary profession, rural veterinarians and agribusiness workers find themselves at a dangerous intersection.

“Professionals working in rural-agricultural regions face immense challenges related to stress and mental health,” Adam Howell, outreach director at NY FarmNet, said in a news release.¹ “NY FarmNet is proud to see this new educational initiative come to fruition as we work together to alleviate the mental health crisis afflicting rural communities across America.”

NY FarmNet, part of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), serves as a general resource for farmers across New York State.³ Founded in 1986 in response to the national farm crisis, the organization offers farmers, agribusiness employees, and their families with free and confidential consultations. The program also operates an 800-help line for on-demand, year-round support.³

Rural Minds was founded by Jeff Wilson after losing his own nephew to suicide in rural America.⁴ Growing up on a farm, he had always been aware of the prevalence of mental illnesses, and the lack of resources in rural areas.⁴ Coming together with Cornell University and NY FarmNet to launch this free course, Wilson continues his mission, providing rural veterinarians with the support they need.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.

References

1. Free suicide prevention course available for rural veterinarians, farm workers. News release. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. September 18, 2024. Accessed September 19, 2024.
2. Roberts L. Online course helps veterinarians support rural mental health. Cornell Chronicle. September 18, 2024. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/09/online-course-helps-veterinarians-support-rural-mental-health
3. Program. New York FarmNet. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.nyfarmnet.org/program
4. Our mission. Rural Minds. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.ruralminds.org/our-mission
5. Suicide in Rural America. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/public-health-strategy/suicide-in-rural-america-prevention-strategies.html
6. Nett R., Witte T., Spitzer E., Edwards N., Fowler K. Suicide Risk for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 4, 2019. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2019/09/04/veterinary-suicide/