Extension Agents’ Perceptions of Community Readiness for Farm Stress and Suicide Prevention Efforts

Authors

Paula Yuma, School of Social Work, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Melissa Pearman Fenton, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Lorann Stallones, Department of Psychology, Colorado State UniversityFollow
Morgan Valley, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State UniversityFollow

Funding Information

This study was supported by the Colorado Injury Control Research Center Foundation, Colorado State University, and the Colorado State University Extension Service.

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to describe how Extension Agents in rural Colorado perceive their communities’ readiness to engage with farm stress and suicide prevention services and resources. Interviews were conducted with Extension Agents from five Colorado counties experiencing high suicide rates. Interview questions were based on a Community Readiness for Community Change framework, and inductive analysis was used to generate themes from the data. Results demonstrate that while prevention efforts are underway, community awareness remains low. In addition to structural barriers associated with rurality (e.g., lack of mental health providers), stigma remains a significant barrier to help-seeking. Extension agents want more partnership with academia to more effectively address prevention. Recommendations include increasing interdisciplinary partnerships and utilizing tailored resources.

Recommended Citation

Yuma, Paula; Pearman Fenton, Melissa; Stallones, Lorann; and Valley, Morgan (2024) "Extension Agents’ Perceptions of Community Readiness for Farm Stress and Suicide Prevention Efforts," Transforming Communities: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/tcjournal/vol1/iss1/7