With an enduring commitment to support the well-being of those in agriculture, Colorado is set to host its inaugural Agricultural Behavioral Health Summit. This landmark event, taking place November 13-14 in Monte Vista, aims to bridge gaps in behavioral health resources for agricultural and rural communities. The mental and behavioral health needs in Colorado’s rural communities are often unmet due to isolated environments, financial challenges, and a deficit of culturally competent providers who understand the additional challenges agricultural communities face.
The Colorado Agricultural Behavioral Health Summit is hosted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU). The summit will bring together organizations that promote and provide behavioral health care to agricultural and rural communities. There is no cost to attend the summit.
“We know that our agricultural producers and workers face high degrees of stress and uncertainty in their jobs and we know that behavioral health resources are lacking in our rural communities,” said Robert Sakata, CDA’s Senior Water Policy Advisor and leader of the Agricultural Behavioral Health Work group. “This summit provides an opportunity for behavioral health organizations to work together to fix those treatment gaps and expand their toolbox when it comes to supporting rural agricultural populations.”
Sessions will include “Understanding Agrarian Challenges: Methods and Practices to Improve Connection, and Behavioral Health Outcomes,” “Integrating Support into Organizational Structures Panel,” and multiple opportunities for organizational networking and discussion. Finally, attendees will hear from Governor Jared Polis, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, BHA Commissioner Dannette Smith, and Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg.
Attendees and members of the agricultural community are also invited to attend an evening social and dinner at the Farm Brewery on November 13 in Alamosa.
The agenda can be found here and RSVPs can be completed here.
Supporting the emotional and mental wellbeing of agricultural community members has been a steadfast priority for the Department of Agriculture and is part of the “People and Community” direction of the CDA Multi-year Strategic Plan. The Ag Behavioral Health Summit is one of the ways CDA is working with other state and community partners to provide additional resources to improve mental health support to producers and rural communities through new initiatives.