By Andi Anderson
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has announced a landmark initiative, the Farm Family Wellness Alliance, providing revolutionary mental health and wellbeing services for farmers and their families. The alliance, including Farm Bureau and key partners, introduces free, anonymous online support, creating a nationwide safety net of confidential assistance.
Unveiled at the AFBF’s 105th Convention, the groundbreaking solution focuses on building farm family wellness through a secure, peer-to-peer digital community. The initiative offers access to Togetherall, a safe and clinically moderated platform where members globally can provide confidential, on-demand support.
Users, aged 16 and older, can access a global network of peers through an anonymous profile, overseen by licensed clinicians around-the-clock. Additionally, the platform includes an agricultural sector sub-group, fostering a judgement-free space for farmers and their families to share experiences.
Togetherall offers various wellbeing tools, including self-assessments and access to support services through a partnership with Personal Assistance Services. Topics covered encompass anxiety, depression, financial health, and improving sleep.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall emphasized the importance of mental health in farming, stating, “Farming is tough even on the best days. That’s why Farm Bureau has been committed to helping farmers and ranchers across the country get connected with the tools and resources they need to promote mental health and wellbeing.”
The Farm Family Wellness Alliance is made possible through a coalition of organizations, including Farm Foundation, Farm Credit, CoBank, Iowa Farm Bureau, CHS, Land O’Lakes, National Farmers Union, 4-H, FFA, Agriculture Future of America, Togetherall, and Personal Assistance Services. The alliance builds upon an earlier pilot initiative in Iowa, expanding its impact nationwide.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev
Categories: Iowa, General