Don McMoran was a fourth-generation farm kid in Skagit County when one of his father’s farm hands took his own life. Today, he helps farm workers access mental health services in an effort to prevent similar tragedies.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in farmers, with farmers committing suicide at rates five times higher than the general population, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. The Free Therapy Voucher Program, hosted by the WSU Skagit Extension office, aims to reduce the stigma and offer resources to farmers across the state.
In collaboration with the WSU Psychology Clinic, the program provides six free online therapy sessions with psychologists. Additionally, the program collaborates with AgriSafe, a non-profit that hosts a course for providers to better understand the psychological complexities of farming and its effects.
Though the program only covers the cost of six sessions, patients are welcome to continue seeing the same provider through their insurance or pay out of pocket, with the average cost of an appointment being around $10.
The program is funded through a grant received by McMoran after the Brotje Family Trust heard about his efforts. The Joe D. Shelton Award aims to provide funding to projects focusing on improving the well-being of agricultural communities in honor of the late Joe Shelton.
“I just felt honored to be able to meet him and then still now honoring him in his passing and trying to bring good from a bad situation. I just really thank the world of the Brotje family and their foresight to do these donations,” McMoran said.
Reaching farmers and getting them to use these resources is an extremely difficult task given the stigma around mental health in the profession.
“We are taught from a very young age to suck it up, that serves us well until it doesn’t,” McMoran said.
Because of this, the Skagit Extension team aims to meet farmers where they are. During previously scheduled meetings and events like County Fairs, the team puts on short presentations highlighting the importance of seeking help as well as distributing informational resources.
Funding comes from the Washington State Department of Health and the US Department of Agriculture. The program has expanded to provide services to farmers across 13 states.
To help combat farmer suicide, Cougs and Washingtonians can do their part by looking out for common symptoms and signs, including loss of interest in favorite activities, increases in agriculture-related accident, decline in the care of livestock, substance use/addiction, tension in relationships and thoughts of hurting oneself.
To learn more about the program or enroll, contact the WSU Psychology Clinic at 509-335-3587. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, reach out to Don McMoran at 360-395-2357 or email dmcmoran@wsu.edu. Farmers and Cougs alike can also learn more by visiting the Free Therapy Voucher Program website.
Additional resources include the Farm Aid Hotline at 1-800-327-6243, available Monday through Friday from from 6 a.m.–7 p.m., the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 and the Crisis Text Line (text HEAL to 741741).
