The April 22, 2025, Ag Behavioral Health Work Group Meeting, hosted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, focused on enhancing mental health resources for agricultural workers in the state. The meeting aimed to address the growing concerns surrounding mental health in the agricultural community and to discuss strategies for improving access to care.

The first item on the agenda was a review of the current mental health support systems available to agricultural workers. Participants discussed the importance of timely access to mental health services, particularly in crisis situations. It was noted that while most calls to mental health support are routed to Colorado offices, there may be instances where callers are directed to out-of-state resources if wait times exceed a certain threshold. This measure is intended to ensure that individuals in crisis receive immediate assistance.

Following this, the group examined the OwnPath initiative, a searchable database designed to connect individuals with licensed mental health providers. The database aims to streamline the process of finding appropriate care, making it easier for agricultural workers to access the support they need.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the next steps for the work group, including plans to promote the OwnPath database and enhance outreach efforts to ensure that agricultural workers are aware of the available mental health resources. The group emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders to improve mental health outcomes in the agricultural sector.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the commitment of the Colorado Department of Agriculture to address mental health challenges faced by agricultural workers and to implement effective solutions that prioritize timely access to care.