Message from Brown County Public Health

Farmers, you are the backbone of our local community and of our region. Many days, especially during the long hours of planting season, the stress of being a farmer can be a lot to manage on your own. COVID-19 has added many new challenges to an already challenging occupation. That is why it is important for you, your families, and your employees to know that there are many resources available that seek to serve the agricultural community specifically. If you are looking for someone to talk to, The Minnesota Farm and Rural Health Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (833)600-2670. Ted Matthews and Monica McConkey are rural mental health counselors who work with farmers throughout MN at no cost and with no paperwork. Ted can be reached at (320)266-2390. Monica can be reached at (218)280-7785. For additional resources to support your emotional health, as well as to help with your business or financial situation or with legal matters, please visit https://www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress or call your Brown County Public Health office at (507)233-6820 to inquire about specific local resources.   
 
To all those in the ag community, we appreciate all you do to keep our communities fed and cared for, so we would like to say thank you and encourage you to take the time you need to also take care of yourself, your family, and your employees during these times of increased stress. COVID-19 has added some unique challenges to your already challenging occupation. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to one of Minnesota’s rural mental health counselors, Ted Matthews (320-266-2390) or Monica McConkey (218-280-7785), for no cost, paperwork free, support. Visit https://www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress for additional resources or call Brown County Public Health at (507)233-6820 for help in finding local resources.