Lawmakers Ask For AgriStress Funding

Oregon’s AgriStress Helpline is running out of money.  Northeastern Oregon State Representative Bobby Levy said the 24-7 crisis line provides a critical service to rural communities.

"Farmers, ranchers, loggers, commercial fishers experience significantly higher suicide rates than any other profession.”

Eastern Oregon Senator, an former president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association  Todd Nash told fellow lawmakers last week the helpline launched in 2023.

“As much as we don’t want it to be utilized, it is being utilized. So, it’s one of those things that we’re extremely proud of that we accomplished here. But at the same time, we hope that someday there’s not a need for it."

The state initially set aside $300-thousand in an endowment, but Nash said it doesn’t provide a big enough return to keep the helpline running for much longer.  He’s sponsoring a bill to contribute another $2 million to the crisis line’s endowment.

Click Here to learn more about the AgriStress Helpline.  If you or someone you know needs the services of the AgriStress Helpline, you can call or text 24/7 at (833) 897-2474.

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