SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) will hold a joint press conference with state and community leaders to announce a new hotline that will connect farmers to health professionals and services through the Farm Family Resource Initiative.
“Small farms are the core of our state’s economy, and farmers are on the front lines to provide food for our communities. The reality of this pandemic is that a new layer of stress has been put on farmers and farm families,” said Bennett. “The Farm Family Resource Initiative and new helpline will give farmers additional support to help folks recognize and navigate these times.”
At the press conference, Bennett will be joined by Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II, Southern Illinois University System President Dr. Daniel Mahony, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Dean & Provost Dr. Jerry Kruse, Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert Jr. and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
Initiated through the legislative leadership of Senator Bennett, the Farm Family Resource Initiative is a joint pilot program of SIU School of Medicine and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The SIU School of Medicine’s Center for Rural Health and Social Services Development is leading the effort to build a statewide network of support and resources for Illinois farm families, starting in six counties: Christian, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Morgan and Sangamon.
Area farmers who need someone to talk to about the everyday stresses of farming and pandemic-related challenges can access the helpline at 1-833-FARM-SOS.
With questions or for additional information, contact Jennifer at 217-782-0392 or
WHAT: Press conference to announce Farm Family Resource Initiative Hotline
WHO: State Senator Scott Bennett, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II, Southern Illinois University System President Dr. Daniel Mahony, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Dean & Provost Dr. Jerry Kruse, Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert Jr., and Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, 10 a.m.
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