The suicide rate for male agricultural workers in the United States is two times the national average, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics. This comes as overhead costs skyrocket, climate change brings more storms, drought and changing weather patterns, and interest rates continue to rise. Now, clergy in affected regions, including North and South Dakota and Minnesota, are taking notice, and stepping in to help.
Here & Now‘s Robin Young talks to South Dakota Pastor and former farmer Alan Blankenfeld, who founded Moody County Cares, and Flandreau, South Dakota, farmer Todd Sanderson, who is part of the group.
Source: northcountrypublicradio.org
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ben-goode
Categories: South Dakota, General