WSU extension: farm stress high, programs expand to meet demand

Don McMoran, director of WSU Skagit County Extension, and Maddie Vanderkooi, Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program coordinator, briefed senators on farm stress, suicide prevention and WSU's outreach programs.

Vanderkooi described the RASAP network, a Farm Aid resource line, an online clearinghouse (farmstress.us), mini grants for local providers, and training programs (COMET, Mental Health First Aid, QPR). She told the committee that the Western Region suicide mortality rate for agricultural populations was approximately 37 per 100,000 in 2023, compared with roughly 16 per 100,000 across other industries, and emphasized cultural barriers and isolation that reduce help‑seeking.

McMoran described community‑based approaches, including a free voucher program funded by the Washington State Department of Health that provides counseling for farmers and farm workers (the program has been used by about 15 farmers to date) and a peer‑support series called "Pizza for Producers." He recounted a personal experience: "When I was a sophomore in college, my dad's hired man took his own life," which he said spurred his involvement in suicide‑prevention work.

Senators asked about demand after recent flooding and staff capacity; WSU said flood‑related requests had increased and noted recent hires funded through House Bill 2671 to add regional capacity (staff located in Yakima and Cowlitz counties). Presenters encouraged peer‑to‑peer approaches to reach farmers reluctant to seek formal care.

What happens next: WSU will continue outreach, trainings and voucher services while expanding regional staffing under current grant funds. Committee members thanked presenters and posed no formal motions.