While suicide is a leading cause of death nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates soar even higher in rural areas – between 64 and 68 percent higher than in urban areas. Farmers, in particular, are especially vulnerable, with a 3.5 times greater risk of suicide compared to the general population. These statistics paint a grim picture, highlighting the urgent need for accessible mental health resources and targeted suicide prevention initiatives in rural America.

NY FarmNet, a program coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension and a collaboration between the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is responding to this pressing need alongside the American Society for Suicide Prevention to bring the Talk Saves Lives program to communities throughout New York state.

Led by trained instructors, the presentations deliver a standardized suicide prevention education program to rural communities. The 45 to 60 minute presentations equip participants with the knowledge and tools to identify risk factors, warning signs, and lifesaving intervention strategies, along with practical strategies for managing their mental health and supporting others in crisis.

Read more about NY FarmNet's Talk Saves Lives program on the Cornell Cooperative Extension website.

Marc Ducharme is a communications specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension.