The new Crisis Support Line for Oregon Agricultural Communities is now available. AgriStress HelpLine is a free 24-hour, 7-days-a -week hotline designed for the agricultural community and their families in Oregon. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 833-897-2474.
What is the AgriStress Helpline?
The AgriStress HelplineSM is a free and confidential crisis and support line that you can call or text 24/7. Phone calls have interpretation available in 160 languages, and text message services are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The helpline is answered by trained professionals who can offer support and help you find mental health and agriculture-related resources in your area. We know that agriculture is unique – that is why our crisis specialists have received training on the factors that impact people working in agriculture.
For more details, download and view our one-paged Overview of the AgriStress Helpline here.
How is the AgriStress Helpline different than 988?
Both the AgriStress Helpline and 988 offer the same quality of suicide crisis services – but our crisis specialists have extra training to know the culture, values, stressors, and lived experiences of agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers. In addition, crisis specialists have access to a state specific curated database of agricultural and health resources.
Why do agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers need their own helpline?
Good health, including mental health, is a key factor in one’s ability to keep working. Social and geographical isolation, weather variability (such as extreme droughts or flash floods), limited access to health services, and fluctuating commodity prices have a direct impact on ag workers’ mental health. Stigma and privacy concerns associated with mental health may mean that many people do not seek out available behavioral health services. Knowing that the people who answer the AgriStress Helpline understand the unique stressors and situations of agriculture, forestry, and fishing, can lower some of those barriers and might encourage the industry workers to reach out.
What happens when you call the AgriStress Helpline?
When you call or text the line, you will be prompted to enter your ZIP code. This information allows us to give you state-specific resources and referrals, upon your request. Once your ZIP code is entered, you will be connected with a crisis intervention specialist who is ready to listen, provide emotional support, or provide you with resources. All callers will be offered a 24-hour follow-up call if they so prefer.
Who can call the AgriStress Helpline?
Anyone can call the helpline, even if they aren’t from one of the funded states. We will not turn any callers away. If you’d like some examples of who calls the line, you may check out our anonymous stories of success.
How can you get involved?
Check out our Get Invovled page for ways you can help promote mental well-being in your community! This page also includes links to the marketing materials for each state!
Here are some links to find out more information about the helpline:
https://www.agrisafe.org/agristress-helpline/
https://www.agrisafe.org/resource/overview-of-the-agristress-helpline/.