Release Date: July 17,
2020
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Media Contact: Rick
Hummell, Public Information Officer, (608) 224-5041
Richard.Hummell@wisconsin.gov
MADISON – As part of its
efforts to provide resources to help address farmer mental health wellness, the
Wisconsin Farm Center is hosting a series of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) virtual
training sessions for agriculture service providers, farmers, and the
agricultural community. QPR is an intervention method designed to help trainees
identify
and interrupt mental health
crisis situations and direct individuals to proper care.
The Farm Center, part
of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
(DATCP), will host the first virtual session Wednesday, July 29. Five additional
virtual sessions are scheduled this summer through early fall. There is no cost
to attend. These training sessions are part of
several farmer mental health initiatives funded through Governor Tony Evers'
2019-21 biennial budget.
“Farming is a complex occupation that requires agricultural
producers to connect with a wide variety of different service providers such as
business consultants, financial lenders, equipment dealers, animal health
practitioners, and others,” said Jayne Krull, Farm Center director. “QPR
training can help these providers learn how to recognize the warning signs of a
mental health crisis in their interactions with farmers and refer them to
resources so they can get the help they need.”
Although there is no cost to attend the sessions, registration
is required. To register, go the Farm Center webpage: FarmCenter.wi.gov.
Dates of the QPR virtual trainings are:
- Wednesday, July 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 27, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
All of the sessions will be facilitated by Jeff Ditzenberger, a
certified QPR trainer and agriculture/mental health advocate, farmer, and member
of many ag-related organizations.
The Wisconsin Farm Center works one-on-one with farmers and
their families during all phases of the farm life cycle, including start-up,
growth, financial hardship, generational succession, and retirement. Services
are free and confidential. Farmers and agribusinesses can contact the center’s
toll-free Helpline at 1-800-942-2474, or visit datcp.wi.gov/Farms/Wisconsin_Farm_Center/index.aspx
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