Agricultural peer mentors for mental health support

Stress and mental health challenges are common in the agricultural community, both in the United States and worldwide, especially in rural communities. We recruited farmers, ranchers, and allied agriculturalists across Hawai'i to serve as peer mental health mentors (ag mentors). Participation required 14 hours of training including Mental Health First Aid, Question Persuade Refer, internal online resources and webinars with local mental/behavioural health professionals. Thirty-four participants completed all trainings with statistically significant gains (p < .05) in knowledge of what is considered "good" mental health, and increases in confidence in detecting signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in oneself and others. Results also showed greater de-stigmatising attitudes about mental health, and more confidence with respect to providing options for assistance. Qualitative comments also highlighted enthusiastic endorsement of the program. The findings suggest an effective a community-based relational approach to addressing farmer mental health that is consistent with the Hawaiian value of 'ohana (family) and relational ontology.