Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act

The Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act proposes a formal study to evaluate how easily farmers and ranchers can access mental health and substance abuse services. If enacted, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture would examine the specific challenges facing agricultural workers, such as the stress caused by severe droughts, extreme weather, market instability, and consumer misinformation. The goal is to identify why these communities may struggle to find help and how the federal government can better support them.

As part of this initiative, the study would look for successful state and local programs that could be expanded or copied at the national level. It would also require federal officials to consult with state agricultural departments and mental health organizations to develop specific recommendations for improving care. For everyday citizens in rural areas, this bill aims to create a roadmap for more accessible and effective healthcare resources tailored to the unique pressures of the farming profession.