September 26, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 156 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H8043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FARM STRESS AND OPIOIDS IN MISSISSIPPI

  (Mr. GUEST asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, September is National Recovery Month, a time 
to look for ways to support recovery strategies for mental health and 
substance use disorders.
  Mississippi State University's Extension Service is working to reduce 
opioid misuse by farmers and ranchers across our State.
  Farmers have to face changing markets, weather events, financial 
hardships, leading to farm stress while operating in one of the most 
hazardous occupations. A valid opioid prescription given to a farmer 
can lead to opioid misuse. Three out of four farmers have reported that 
they have been affected by opioid misuse, and that opioids can be 
easily accessed.
  Through support from the USDA and SAMHSA, Mississippi State 
University is training extension service agents to deliver mental 
health first aid to farmers, as well as working with pharmacists and 
medical personnel to better recognize misuse. This program is already 
demonstrating incredible results as farmers are utilizing extension 
agents to seek care.
  I applaud the work of Mississippi State University and other 
organizations in Mississippi that recognize needs in our community and 
are finding creative ways to reach Mississippians with care.

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