WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) ensured full funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) to give states needed resources to provide mental health services for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The funding was included in a package of fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills. 

Though the FRSAN program was first authorized in 2008, it did not receive funding and therefore lapsed. Emmer introduced the STRESS Act in 2018, which would renew FRSAN, restoring our nation's attention to Americans in rural areas who suffer from a lack of access to mental health care. The STRESS Act language was included in the 2018 Farm Bill, and the program was reauthorized.

Currently, rural communities across Minnesota have suffered from an unstable farm economy, and exigent circumstances related to intense weather conditions such as flooding and winter storms have only added to the stress in rural America. This funding will provide mental health support to Minnesota’s farmers, as well as farmers across the country.  

“In this trying time, I am pleased farmers, ranchers, and Minnesotans living in rural communities will have additional help. The full funding of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is a necessary step to connect our rural communities to the health care they need,” said Congressman Emmer, whose district encompasses areas of rural Minnesota including parts of Stearns, Benton, Wright and Sherburne Counties. 

“I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support. Americans living in farm country, now more than ever, have our full support.” Emmer concluded.

###