The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, has unveiled a new mental health awareness initiative to support the well-being of the region’s agricultural community. As part of this effort, free stickers featuring the national crisis line 988 will be produced for display in tractor cabs, farm offices, and other highly visible areas, with the message that it’s okay to not be okay and that help is always available.

Stickers are free and available to anyone who would like to distribute or display them. For more information or to request stickers, Southern Maryland residents can contact info@smadc.com.

The campaign complements broader national efforts to address farm stress. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind initiative provides resources to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and connect farmers and ranchers with mental health support. Learn more at www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind.

If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers confidential support for people in distress, emotional trouble, or who are considering self-harm. Caring counselors are available to help, and you are not alone.

Farming is a demanding occupation with elevated risks of anxiety and depression due to long hours, isolation, weather extremes, financial pressures, market volatility, labor shortages, and other stressors. Studies indicate higher suicide risk among farming communities. Addressing stigma and expanding access to support are critical to safeguarding producers and their communities. Barriers in rural areas include stigma, concerns about anonymity in small towns, and limited access to mental health providers. National and regional efforts emphasize outreach, education, and improving access to care.

Ways you can help:

• Buy local: Support farmers by purchasing food directly from them.
• Meet your farmers: Get to know local producers through farmers’ markets or county farm bureaus.
• Advocate for resources: Support mental health services in rural communities; explore telehealth options and work to improve connectivity and access.

Keep talking about mental health: Normalize conversations to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.

Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for the Lifeline. For immediate help, call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

 For more information, contact the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission at info@smadc.com.