Author: Kate Homonai

Celebrate National Ag Week!

| Kate Homonai

 

National Ag Week (March 21-27) is a time to celebrate all the farmers and agriculture workers in Ohio and across the United States. We owe a great deal of gratitude to the hardworking farmers and agriculture workers who work tirelessly to raise the crops and livestock we need to survive and thrive. Their unwavering dedication and commitment to their craft is truly inspiring, and we are fortunate to have them as a vital part of our society.

If you are a farmer or agricultural worker- thank you for letting Ohio State University Extension employees serve you!

If you know a farmer or agricultural worker and want to show your appreciation, consider one of these options!

  • Support your local farmers by purchasing local foods such as meat, vegetables, eggs, or household goods.
  • Send a care package to your favorite farmers. Many farmers are about to spend a lot of time in their fields. Put together a small package of snacks (cookies, chips, jerky, water or sports drinks, etc.) for them to enjoy on the job.
  • Give them space. Your local roads may soon be filled with farmers and their families moving equipment from farm to field. Drive carefully and leave plenty of room between you and farm equipment so that everyone can make it safely home.

 

Register Today for Mental Health First Aid!

| Kate Homonai

Do you know how to recognize signs of changing mental health in your friends or family members? Would you feel comfortable asking someone about their mental health? Join the Farm Stress team in a Mental Health First Aid class to learn about mental health and how to help in a crisis situation.

These virtual trainings are held on Zoom. You will receive access to self-paced learning modules approximately two weeks before the training, and then join some of OSU Extension’s Mental Health First Aid instructors for an instructor-led session.

Register for an adult Mental Health First Aid class here

Register for a Youth Mental Health First Aid course here (This class is designed for adults who work with young people ages 12-18).

Want to share this information with others? Click here for a copy of our registration flyer!

New mental health resource for Ohioans!

| Kate Homonai

“Have you thought about talking to someone about that?” If you experience anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge, working with a professional can be very helpful. But navigating the health care system is not always as simple as calling your local counselor and making an appointment. You have to figure out which providers take your insurance, how many sessions are covered, and what your co-pay might be. If you don’t have insurance, there are even more questions to ask. It can be a little overwhelming to figure out your benefits on your own, so call the Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance office for help.

From their website: “This free service is for individuals, families, and behavioral health providers who need help understanding and accessing their mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Whether you have health insurance through an employer, a government program, purchased it directly through an agent, or are uninsured, we can help.  We’ll help you understand your mental health coverage, assist you in getting the most from your mental health insurance for treatment, and facilitate investigations on your behalf if you experience treatment access issues due to insurance.”

Get started today by calling 1-855-438-6442. Recovery from a mental health challenge is possible and probable, and the Ohio Mental Health Insurance Assistance Office can help you start that journey to recovery!