A Lifeline for Agricultural Communities
Tyler — Not only does the agriculture industry have some of the highest rates of fatalities and injuries across all age groups, but also some of the highest rates of suicide. Work and life in agricultural communities bring about unique stressors and situations, which increase barriers to accessing care.
This is why they need professionals who understand their particular issues. VIA LINK, the crisis call center for the AgriStress Helpline, is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS). The crisis support specialists who answer the line are all certified in FarmResponse®, a continuing education course which provides the full range of competencies necessary for serving farmers, ranchers, fishers, foresters, and loggers. All specialists have over 300 hours of evidence-based training in crisis support and de-escalation.
Suicide Lifeline First, Resource Line Second
While there are a handful of agricultural resource and referral lines out there, this is the only crisis support line currently dedicated to agricultural, forestry, and fishing communities.
Accessible and Affordable
In addition to both call and text capability, the 24/7 toll-free AgriStress Helpline has a translation capability of 160 languages. All calls are answered within 30 seconds, with an average answer rate of around 18 seconds.
Quality Care
There is no limit to how many times someone may call the line, nor is there a limit on call duration. All callers receive care that is specific to their needs – whether that is a risk assessment, emergency services, emotional support, or connection to resources. Everyone is also offered a 24-hour follow-up call.
If you or someone you know needs support or resources, you may call or text the AgriStress Helpline at 833-897-2474.
For more information, contact Shelbie Lambert at 903-877-1440 or shelbie.lambert@uttyler.edu.
The Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education was created in late 1995 at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT) to serve Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas as part of a program initiative of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The initiative established a network of centers, funded on a competitive basis, to conduct programs of research, prevention, intervention, education and outreach designed to reduce occupational injuries and diseases among agricultural workers and their families.