Despite growing awareness of mental health challenges in agriculture, substance use among farmers remains an understudied and often overlooked issue. This webinar will explore current research on substance use patterns within agricultural communities, factors that influence risk, and opportunities for prevention, intervention, and future research. Participants will gain a better understanding of the unique behavioral health needs of farmers and discuss strategies for supporting healthier agricultural communities.
Participants will:
- Describe social and cultural norms that influence substance use among farmers.
- Understand patterns of substance use across different farming populations.
- Identify opportunities for prevention, intervention, and future research to address substance use in agricultural communities.
About the Speaker
Alex Chan is the Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist for the University of Maryland Extension. His work focuses on farm stress management, behavioral health, opioid overdose prevention, healthy relationships, and farm succession planning. Drawing on his clinical background and University Extension expertise, Dr. Chan collaborates with partners across Maryland to strengthen the health and well-being of agricultural communities.
Questions? Contact Melissa Tomascik.
This public webinar is funded by the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and co-sponsored by Maryland ROPTA and the REACH Initiative.
