[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 710 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 710

    Supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as ``Mental Health 
Awareness in Agriculture Day'' to raise awareness around mental health 
 in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce 
                 stigma associated with mental illness.


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 23, 2024

   Mrs. Fischer (for herself and Mr. Bennet) submitted the following 
    resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

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                               RESOLUTION


 
    Supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as ``Mental Health 
Awareness in Agriculture Day'' to raise awareness around mental health 
 in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce 
                 stigma associated with mental illness.

Whereas, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture of the Department of 
        Agriculture, 3,370,000 producers, less than 2 percent of the population 
        of the United States, provide high-quality food, fuel, and fiber to the 
        United States and abroad;
Whereas, according to the Economic Policy Institute, there are approximately 
        1,600,000 farmworkers in the United States;
Whereas, according to the National Rural Health Association, the rate of suicide 
        among farmers is 3.5 times greater than among the general population;
Whereas, according to the Mortality-Linked National Health Interview Survey, 
        suicide rates among farmworkers are 1.4 times higher than rates across 
        all other occupations;
Whereas May is ``National Mental Health Awareness Month''; and
Whereas the stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health persists and 
        acknowledging this public health crisis and creating awareness is as 
        important as ever: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates May 29, 2024, as ``Mental Health Awareness 
        in Agriculture Day'' to raise awareness around mental health in 
        the agricultural industry and reduce the stigma associated with 
        mental illness;
            (2) recognizes the important role of individuals in 
        agriculture as providers of high-quality products to the United 
        States and the world;
            (3) seeks to create awareness for the unique challenges 
        agricultural producers and workers face, such as weather 
        unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm 
        succession, and fluctuating commodity and market prices;
            (4) highlights the resources available through the Farm and 
        Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) of the Department of 
        Agriculture in connecting agricultural producers and workers to 
        stress assistance programs; and
            (5) encourages all to observe Mental Health Awareness in 
        Agriculture Day as an opportunity to promote mental well-being 
        and awareness for current and future agricultural producers and 
        workers.
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