Give grants to support local organizations supporting rural mental health care

 

This bill aims to reduce mental health issues in rural America. It will do this by providing grants up to $25,000 each

for organizations that aim to continue or start programs that will support people struggling with mental health in rural

areas. Grants are to be dispersed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

 

According to a study published in the National Library of Public Medicine the suicide rate among farmers is as much as

three times the national average. Farming is a very stressful industry. Aside from being dangerous, commodity markets

can be volatile and weather can constantly change, putting stress on Minnesota farmers. Recently, crop prices have

lowered. According to the American Farm Bureau corn prices have decreased by 54% in the last three years.

Additionally, the USDA expects farming debt to increase by 5% this year. Because of these issues is important that we

support programs that aim to promote mental health care in rural America to help address this issue.

 

Organization - Any legal entity, public or private that operates primarily within the state of Minnesota

Rural - Any area not within an incorporated community or any city under 10,000 in population

Grant - A sum of money given to an organization for a specific purpose

 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will be allocated up to $200,000 annually that may be used to provide grants at

the departments discretion. This money is to be taken from the state surplus.

 

Any grants not invested as described upon grant application, as determined by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture,

within in five years will be paid back to the state of Minnesota.

 

January 1, 2027