New crisis helpline opens for Arizona’s agricultural and forestry communities

A crisis helpline dedicated to serving Arizona’s agricultural and forestry communities is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The AgriStress Helpline is free and confidential, and can be reached by calling or texting 833-897-AGRI (2474). Phone call interpretation is available in 160 languages, and text message services are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. 

"Arizona's farmers and ranchers face many stressors, many beyond their control, yet they tend to keep it to themselves and fight through their challenges alone. It doesn't have to be this way,” said Paul Brierley, director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. “I am very excited for the launch of the the AgriStress Helpline, which will provide needed resources and outreach to our rural and agricultural communities."

AgriSafe Network, a non-profit organization, launched the helpline in Arizona in October 2024 with help from partners across the state including the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Arizona Department of Agriculture, Arizona Farm Bureau, Arizona Department of Health Services, and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).

“Our statewide community needs assessment highlighted mental well-being as a key community priority, which is why we started the Agriculture and Rural Mental Health Collaborative with our partners in 2023. Together, we identified the need for tailored supports to meet the unique needs of Arizona’s agriculture community. The AgriStress Helpline is an essential resource dedicated to addressing these needs,” said Michele Walsh, associate director for family, consumer and health sciences for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

"AHCCCS and the state's crisis continuum proudly collaborate with the AgriStress Helpline, providing specialized support to Arizona's agricultural community," said Andrew Medina, crisis and justice systems administrator for AHCCCS, the state’s Medicaid agency.  

“This support is crucial due to the unique challenges faced by farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers, including isolation, financial stress, and physical demands.

Overcoming the stigma

The American Farm Bureau Federation identified financial difficulties, business challenges, and the fear of losing one's farm as significant factors affecting farmers' mental health. Additionally, barriers like cost, social stigma, and embarrassment often prevent farmers from seeking mental health support. Based on analyses using data from ADHS Bureau of Vital Statistics, UA researchers found that Arizona producers have 2.5 times the risk of suicide compared to non-producers.

“We are grateful that this resource will now be available to all Arizonans and appreciate the hard work of our team of collaborators that have made it possible. Farming and ranching can be a stressful occupation and has its unique challenges,” said Phil Bashaw, chief executive officer of Arizona Farm Bureau. “Sadly, that is why we are seeing suicide rates for farmers at rates that are two to five times higher than the national average. That is why it is so important to expand access to mental health resources for our agriculture producers and encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.”

The AgriStress Helpline is unique because it is completely dedicated to serving Arizona’s agriculture and forestry communities. Both the AgriStress Helpline and 988 offer high quality suicide crisis services – but AgriStress’ credentialed specialists are trained in cultural competencies in agricultural mental health and affecting factors, including production and financial issues, injuries, market fluctuations and family dynamics. The service extends beyond farmers, farm workers, ranchers, fishermen, and foresters to include their families.

"The Agri-Stress Helpline directly supports Arizona's Suicide Prevention Action Plan by offering crisis resources tailored to the agriculture industry, an at-risk profession. This specialized line reinforces our commitment to occupation-based crisis support statewide through our Suicide Prevention Action Plan," said Joshua Stegemeyer, the ADHS Suicide Program Manager.

All AgriStress Helpline calls are answered within 30 seconds or less. Intervention occurs for people at imminent risk, and others are offered resources tailored to the agriculture community. All callers are offered a 24-hour follow up call, also through the AgriStress Helpline. 

For more information about the AgriStress Helpline, visit agrisafe.org/agristress-helpline.