Farmers Supporting Farmers

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH or “Office” herein) is committed to offering mental health interventions tailored to meet the needs of specific populations, including rural communities in New York State. In recognition of the disproportionate suicide burden in rural counties and the elevated risk that farmers and other workers in the agriculture industry carry compared to workers in nonfarming occupations,[1] OMH is announcing the availability of funding for the procurement of a program serving the NYS agricultural workforce over a five-year period.

The agricultural industry is essential to the economic health of rural communities, which span 44 of 62 NYS counties. Farmers and agribusinesses continue to navigate disruptions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, including breakdowns in supply chains, lost sales, cash flow issues, and rising labor costs. The well-documented link between economic crises and stress renders farm workers and families at an increased risk for poor behavioral health outcomes.

Research indicates four main barriers that rural community members experience in seeking behavioral health support, driving disparities in substance use disorders and suicide fatalities.[2]

1. Availability – Chronic shortages of behavioral health professionals exist in rural communities.
2. Accessibility – Rural residents often travel long distances to receive services.
3. Affordability – Some rural residents may not be able to afford the cost of health insurance or the cost of out-of-pocket care if they lack health insurance.
4. Acceptability – Rural residents may be susceptible to the stigma associated with needing or receiving mental healthcare in small communities and mental health providers may not be as culturally responsive to the unique needs of rural community members.

Innovative mental health services and solutions for farmworkers must be developed to address these barriers. Therefore, OMH is seeking one organization or agency with statewide capacity to deliver peer-driven, culturally responsive services to farmers and agribusiness workers and families, including technical assistance to support business and financial needs and wellness supports to promote mental health needs.

Notice: Notice: The Local Governmental Unit (LGU), Director of Community Service (DCS)/Mental Health Commissioner has a statutory authority and responsibility for oversight and cross system management of the local mental hygiene system to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by mental illness, substance use disorder and/or intellectual/ developmental disability in their communities. Collaboration with LGUs is essential to the successful Farmers Supporting Farmers program.

The full RFP can be found at: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/rfp/

All applicants must be Prequalified by the due date/time of the RFP.

All applications/proposals must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System.