Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Free one-hour webinars at noon and 2 p.m. CT Wed. will focus on mental health of farm youth, workplace protection

As part of National Farm Safety and Health Week, the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety will present free back-to-back webinars, from 2 to 3 p.m. CT Wednesday, Sept. 21.

From noon to 1 p.m. CT, Diane Rohlman of the University of Iowa and the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest, will present, “Protecting and promoting the health of young agricultural workers: The role of employers and supervisors.” Click here to register. Adolescents and young adults working in agriculture (under 25 years old) are at increased risk for occupational injuries.

From 2 to 3 p.m. CT, “Farm youth mental health: What we know and how to help” will be presented by Josie Rudolphi, assistant professor and Extension specialist at the University of Illinois. She says in a press release, “From adapting to changes to feeling overwhelmed, like adults, children also experience stress and anxiety; however, they may be unsure of what they are feeling and how to respond. We will recognize causes of stress among youth living in farming and rural communities and highlight the resources available to assist families.”

Rudolphi's research focuses on mental health conditions among agricultural populations. She is principal investigator on the Farm Adolescent & Mental Health study with the children's agricultural center. She is director of North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance, a 12-state collaborative that increases and expands stress and mental health services to agricultural producers, workers, and their families. Her co-presenter will be Jana Davidson, program manager for the Progressive Agriculture Foundation.

The webinars are presented by AgriSafe, which is hosting two free webinars each day of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 19-23. Based on the daily themes of tractor and roadway safety, overall worker health, children and youth, confined spaces, and women's health, AgriSafe has partnered with experts from across the country to share the latest research and education. To register, click here.

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