OABA joins Ohio Agriculture Mental Health Alliance

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) recently joined the Ohio Agriculture Mental Health Alliance (OAMHA), a first-of-its-kind group focusing on offering more farm stress and mental wellness resources to agricultural communities.

OAMHA is a collaboration of agriculture member organizations, agribusinesses, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), state agencies including the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addition Services (OhioMHAS), as well as the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.

"At OABA, we're dedicated to the resilience of Ohio's agriculture and agribusinesses," said Janice Welsheimer, OABA interim CEO. "Joining OAMHA reflects our commitment to the well-being of our farmers and agribusinesses. Together, we can raise awareness, break the stigma around mental health, and ensure crucial resources reach those in need."

To gain a better perspective of the stressors impacting rural Ohioans and how those who are struggling with those stressors cope, the alliance recently launched a new, anonymous survey to seek feedback directly from rural communities.

OAMHA will use survey results to not only bring more awareness to this very important issue but also to determine where resources are needed and help ensure support is available to communities in need.

“We are committed to strengthening Ohio’s top industry,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “That doesn’t just mean improving yields, it means improving mental health. We look forward to working with OABA to help the backbone of our state – our farmers.”

As food and agriculture make up Ohio’s number one industry – our farmers carry a heavy load. It is important to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

As a member of OAMHA, OABA encourages our members and all Ohioans to take the survey and share this link  to help create awareness: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pHMUc1n2IMMkgm?Q_CHL=qr