Colorado consistently ranks in the top ten states nationwide for its high suicide rate, with residents in rural communities facing elevated risks in part due to limited access to health resources, increased access to firearms and a higher average age, according to the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention.

These risks are compounded for farmers and ranchers who work in an industry where the risk of dying by suicide is more than twice the statewide average.

Agricultural producers also face unique challenges, from worrying about how global events could impact complex commodity markets to how a bad stretch of weather could send them into financial ruin. Research from Colorado has even highlighted how drought – and the stress and anxiety that comes with it – can lead to an increase in suicides.

But, organizations across the state are working together to address these challenges, including The Colorado AgrAbility Project, a partnership between CSU Extension and Goodwill Industries.

Building on a legacy of supporting farmers and ranchers

For decades, Colorado AgrAbility has focused on helping farmers and ranchers with physical challenges live healthy and productive lives. However, seeing a growing need in recent years, they have doubled down on their efforts to improve access to mental health care in rural communities by hiring a full-time behavioral health specialist and exploring new ways to create bridges between their extensive network of community connections.

“Our vision is to equip people with the skills and knowledge to better help those who are in crisis or struggling with their mental health” said Chad Reznicek, a behavioral health specialist who joined Colorado AgrAbility in 2021.

Reznicek grew up in a small farming community and spent two decades working as a licensed therapist. Now, he’s helping AgrAbility understand how to best help farmers, ranchers and rural communities get the support they deserve.

Bob Fetsch, who serves as Colorado AgrAbility’s co-director alongside Rebecca Hill, believes the perception that men should go it alone instead of seeking care is getting in the way of them receiving the support they need, a factor he believes contributes to their suicide rate being more than three times as high as it is for women.

“As part of CSU Extension, our role is to provide research-based education. That includes breaking down misconceptions about what it means to seek support,” Fetsch said.

Supporting those you love

Colorado AgrAbility is also delivering trainings to help community members recognize when their friends and family members are struggling with their mental health with the goal of getting them help before a crisis happens.

“It’s really intended to allow people to have hard conversations with those they care about,” said Reznicek of the two-hour virtual and in-person trainings that include practicing what this skillset looks like.

The program, called COMET™ (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory), was developed by the High Plains Research Network and University of Colorado School of Medicine.

“Building community capacity is so important to our work.”

– Rebecca Hill, co-director, Colorado AgrAbility 

“Social connectivity is a critical factor in reducing suicide risk and improving overall mental health,” said Rebecca Hill, one of Colorado AgrAbility’s co-directors. “We want people to know that there is hope, that depression and mental illness are treatable, and help is available.”

Resources