Improved mental health services must reach into rural Ontario

As an agricultural industry, we are making significant strides in breaking down barriers and stigma around mental health. Dr. Andria Bitton-Jones and her PhD student, Briana Hagen, helped to propel this issue into mainstream conversation and were recognized recently at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s Annual General Meeting with the Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health, nominated for this award by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

On February 19, the Ontario government announced the creation of a new Mental Health and Addiction Centre of Excellence within the provincial health ministry. This is positive news for the estimated 1 million Ontarians who experience mental health or addiction challenges. There is still much more work to do, especially in rural communities. We know there is a need for improved mental health resources for farmers and their families. The province indicates they are working        towards “building a comprehensive and connected system of services that works for all Ontarians.” The OFA will be focusing on the “for all Ontarians” aspect of this new initiative to ensure mental health support and services extend deep into our rural communities and addresses the needs of our members.