The Ag Behavioral Health Work Group Meeting, held by the Colorado Department of Agriculture on April 22, 2025, focused on enhancing mental health initiatives within the agricultural community. The meeting served as a platform for participants to share recent successes and discuss ongoing projects aimed at improving behavioral health resources for farmers and agricultural workers.

Clinton Wilson from Colorado State University and the Colorado AgrAbility Project opened the meeting by encouraging online viewers to submit comments through the Ag Behavioral Health website. He then initiated a round of introductions, allowing members to share their backgrounds and recent achievements.

JC Kurica, vice president of Valley Wide Health Systems, highlighted the continued success of the Coffee Break Project, which promotes mental health awareness in Southeast and South Central Colorado. He noted the thriving advisory committees in the region and the importance of partnerships in their initiatives.

Chad Reznick, the behavioral health state specialist with Colorado State University Extension, opted to save his success story for later in the meeting. Kate Martinez from the San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group shared plans for May Mental Health Month, including community walks and initiatives aimed at promoting mental wellness among staff and the public.

Jacob Walter, associate director of statewide initiatives at CSU Pueblo, mentioned an upcoming article on rural mental health in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues in agricultural settings.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts among various organizations to enhance mental health support for the agricultural community in Colorado. Participants expressed optimism about their initiatives and the potential impact on mental health awareness and resources in rural areas. The group plans to continue its work and engage with the community to foster a supportive environment for mental health discussions and resources.