Farmer mental health the focus of new Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing 

A new not-for-profit organization plans to take a hands-on approach to farmer mental wellness across the country.

Organizers of the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) say they will support farmers with a research-to-action approach to mental health.

“Compared to the Canadian public, farmers experience elevated rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, they are less likely to reach out for help,” says CCAW in a press release.

Working with provincial and national partners, CCAW will advance farmer mental health research, clinical programming, education, and advocacy efforts helping to address long-standing critical needs facing Canadian agriculture.

Financial backing for the organization is not yet public.

CCAW will be led by Dr. Briana Hagen, CEO and lead scientist, Deborah Vanberkel, chief programming officer, and Marnie Wood, COO.

For more information visit www.ccaw.ca