The federal and provincial governments are providing $430,000 to fund three projects related to rural-communities mental health.
They money is for:
· A survey on farmer mental health and agricultural literacy of mental health professionals. It will be led by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and Dr. Briana Hagan who will develop materials for health professionals.
· A project for community and workplace supports for the mental health of international agricultural workers in Ontario. The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) will research existing mental health services and recommend strategies to improve mental health and well-being services and psychosocial supports available to agri-food workers.
· A Survey on mental health impacts of disruptive events in rural Ontario. It will be led by Dr.Leith Deacon of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph. This project will collect community data on challenges and experiences faced by vulnerable populations and highlight successful initiatives in rural communities to make recommendations on ways to support the development of appropriate response plans for COVID-19 and future disruptive events.
