Resources for Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and MU Extension has compiled resources to help break down barriers to mental health services for Missourians.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
University of Missouri Extension has information and resources for individuals, families, caregivers and others.
10 workplace mental health tips
During Mental Health Awareness Month, two MU Extension specialists offer tips to help lighten the load for others.
High rate of suicide by firearm in NE Missouri being studied
Research in northeastern Missouri explores high firearm suicide rates and offers resources to support rural families and mental health awareness.
Don't fall victim to PTO accidents on the farm
Stay safe around farm machinery by preventing PTO accidents. Follow safety tips to avoid injuries and fatalities from spinning PTO shafts and moving parts.
Tips for reporting near misses and accidents on the farm
Learn how reporting farm accidents and near misses can prevent injuries and improve safety for all workers.
MU Extension offers tips on safely handling livestock
Learn safe livestock handling—use caution, read animal behavior, maintain equipment, and reduce risks during feeding and transport.
Teach teens about social networking dangers before fairs, conventions
Educate teens on social media risks before events. Discuss privacy settings and alerting trusted adults if they feel uncomfortable online.
Heatstroke can kill quickly in hot cars
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When the news has another tragic story about a child accidentally left in a hot car, parents might believe they could never make a mistake like that. “It’s not just negligent parents or indifferent caregivers. When juggling the demands of work, parenting and daily life, it’s easier than you might think to make a simple but fatal mistake,” says Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri Extension health and safety…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Show-Me Strong Farm Families
Supportive resources and guidance for coping with grief and loss, including emotional healing, mourning, and understanding the grieving process.
Rev up safety when riding ATVs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Spring and riding ATVs seem to go together. However, ATV accidents can lead to tragedy when precautions are not followed, says University of Missouri Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. ATVs can offer hours of fun in the days ahead when riders observe safety rules. She says it is important to teach young riders rules of the road and to teach by example.
MU Extension studies loneliness in rural areas
A study explores the link between isolation and mental health in rural communities, aiming to inform future interventions.
MFA Foundation gift supports rural mental health resources
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri farmers and ranchers increasingly struggle with mental health challenges and access to resources. The state’s rural suicide rate is growing faster than in urban counties, increasing 78% between 2003 and 2017. With a four-year grant commitment from the MFA Foundation, University of Missouri Extension will have new avenues to support rural communities in need of mental health assistance.
Missouri farmers seeking rollover protection devices for tractors
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Since 2016, more than 70 Missouri farmers asked for help to install tractor rollover protection (ROP) devices from a national program that provides rebates, but the waiting list is long, and only one Missouri farmer has received assistance so far.
Farming: The most dangerous job in the U.S.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Each year, more people die while farming than while serving as police officers, firefighters or other emergency responders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a rate of 23 work-related deaths per 100,000 workers in the agricultural industry. That is seven times higher than the national average for workers.
MU Extension offers mental health resources for farmers, ranchers
Stress relief tips for farmers and ranchers during harvest—tune in, take a break, get rest, and care for yourself amid challenging conditions.
Reduce holiday stress with these tips
COLUMBIA, Mo. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so they say. Picture-perfect families with perfectly coiffed hair and pearly white smiles appear in matching holiday attire in countless holiday television commercials. Perfectly wrapped gifts wait under perfectly decorated trees. How merry and bright! And then there’s the rest of us, says Jeremiah Terrell, a University of Missouri Extension human development and family…
Holidays require special planning by caregivers
Holiday planning tips help caregivers manage stress while keeping celebrations meaningful and enjoyable for loved ones.
Free farm safety podcasts available
Listen to free farm safety podcasts covering essential topics like ATV safety, designed to help agricultural workers protect themselves and others on the farm.
From national security to food security
Veterans develop new skills in beekeeping and business to aid their transition to civilian life, while supporting agriculture and pollination efforts.
Memorial Day offers time for delayed healing
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For five generations, the James O’Donnell Funeral Home has held the hands and hearts of grieving northeastern Missouri families as they said their goodbyes.Fifth-generation owner Jimmy O’Donnell says no time in history challenged him and other rural funeral directors more than the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fight fatigue, stress on the farm with sleep for better bottom line
Lack of sleep on the farm raises stress, accident risks and costs. Learn tips to rest well, boost health and protect your bottom line.
Do spring safety check on and off the farm
Check equipment, animal safety, chemicals, and stress levels this spring to keep farm and rural life safe for all family members.
Take your time with power takeoffs
Essential safety tips for working with power takeoffs (PTOs) on farm equipment, including clothing choices and proper shutdown procedures to prevent injuries.
Consider ergonomics when buying garden tools
Choose garden tools designed for comfort and ease to reduce strain and enjoy gardening more.