Source: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
FRSAN SOUTHERN REGION HOTLINE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1034018
Grant No.
2025-70028-45235
Cumulative Award Amt.
$174,235.31
Proposal No.
2025-06918
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Nov 1, 2024
Project End Date
Oct 31, 2025
Grant Year
2025
Program Code
[FRSAN]- Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network
Recipient Organization
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
2229 Lincoln Way
AMES,IA 50011
Performing Department
HUMAN SCIENCES EXTENSION AND OUTREACH - VPEO
Non Technical Summary
Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers face unique and often overwhelming stressors--from unpredictable weather and market fluctuations to isolation and financial pressures. These challenges not only affect individual well-being but also ripple through rural communities, impacting local economies, family stability, and the broader food system. In the Southern Region, where agriculture is a cornerstone of life and livelihood, addressing mental health and stress is critical to sustaining resilient communities and a healthy environment.This project will expand the reach of the Iowa Concern Hotline to serve southern agricultural populations by offering 24/7 confidential support through phone, email, and live chat. Trained staff will provide emotional support, resource referrals, and crisis assistance tailored to the needs of farmers, ranchers, and their families. Outreach efforts will ensure that people know help is available, and data will be collected to improve services and identify emerging stress trends. Ultimately, the project aims to reduce stigma around mental health, increase access to support, and strengthen the overall well-being of agricultural communities--benefiting not just individuals, but the economic and social fabric of rural America.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
90360103030100%
Knowledge Area
903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
6010 - Individuals;

Field Of Science
3030 - Information and communication;
Goals / Objectives
ISU will providethe Agricultural Hotline services for the Southern FRSAN Region (Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands).Objectives:Collaboratebetween hotline supervisor and regionalpartners to continue to develop plans, procedures, and specific details of managing hotline operations.Collaborate with Southern Region FRSANto incorporate successful transition of resources and referrals between data tracking systems.Provide live answering of the Concern Line 24/7, 365 days a year.An after-hours agency supplements ISU's current hours of operation. ISU will adjust hours of operation to meet the needs of the region: Atlantic and Eastern time zones.Hours of operation will be8 am (CST) - 5 pm (CST), Monday - FridayAfterhours will be 5 pm (CST) - 8 am (CST), weekends, and holidays as determined by the UniversityProvide stress counseling to callers in need.Staff will have degrees or experience in the human science area.Staff will have quarterly training to help provide the best service to callers.Staff will engage in ongoing professional development to have the skills to meet the needs of callers.All staff answering the Concern line will be trained and able to meet the needs of all callers from all states and territories.Provide information and referral services to meet the needs of callers.Staff will utilize an internal database to locate resources neededEach state shall provide ISU with specific state programs they are aware of to meet the mental well-being of those in the agricultural industryStaff will also utilize each state's 2-1-1 databases that are available online to subsidize any other referrals as neededData Collection on contactsContact state - will be requested, collected if providedContact TopicUtilizing current topicsWill evaluate the need for additional or different topicsContact OutcomesUtilizing current topicsWill evaluate the need for additional or different outcomesReferralsDetermination of whom and where contacts were referred to for statistical reporting purposesOther potential data:AgeSexPrevious utilization of hotlineOther information as requestedData reports can be obtained as requested. Typically, these are compiled monthly. Collaboration can be utilized to determine how these reports shall be compiled and shared.
Project Methods
To effectively support farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers, and their families in the Southern Region, the Iowa Concern Hotline will employ the following methods:1. 24/7 Confidential Hotline AccessProvide round-the-clock telephone support staffed by trained professionals experienced or trained in agricultural stress, behavioral health, and stressresponse.Ensure confidentiality to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.2. Culturally Competent and Agricultural-Literate StaffTrain hotline staff in agricultural terminology, seasonal stress cycles, and the cultural nuances of southern farming and ranching communities.3. Resource Navigation and ReferralsConnect callers with local and regional resources including financial counseling, legal assistance, mental health providers, and disaster recovery services.Maintain an up-to-date database of Southern Region service providers and SFRSAN partners for seamless referrals as provided and updated by SFRSAN.4. EngagementCollaborate with Southern Region Team, including:Extension offices, farm organizations, and community groups to promote hotline services.6. Data CollectionTrack call volume, caller demographics, presenting issues, and referral outcomes to evaluate service effectiveness.7. Language AccessibilityProvide services in English, with access to interpretation for other languages as needed.

Progress 11/01/24 to 10/31/25

Outputs
Target Audience:Farmers and ranchers (agricultural producers) and agricultural stakeholdersinSouthern FRSAN Region (Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands). Changes/Problems:The greatest changes and problems for this grant was the dissolution of the main parties for the grant. For the majority of the time of this grant, the hotlines werethe only part of the program continuing, which made for less marketing, no partnerships and frustration for individuals who live in the community to have viable resources available. The other greatest challenge was the government shut downs and pauses, which thenprohibited moving grants through the system in a timely manner. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Farm Culture Training Mental Health First Aid Q.P.R - Question. Persuade. Refer Others as requested by staff. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Final report is available for submission. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Overview Iowa State University (ISU) successfully provided Agricultural Hotline services for the Southern FRSAN Region, which includes Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This initiative ensured continuous support for agricultural producers and stakeholders across these states and territories. Objectives and Outcomes Hotline Operations and Collaboration ISU collaborated with regional partners to develop plans, procedures, and operational details for managing the hotline. After the dissolution of the Southern Region FRSAN partnership, ISU continued operating the hotline independently, ensuring uninterrupted service. Resource Integration Successfully incorporated the Southern Region FRSAN database into ISU's contact form, enabling efficient resource utilization and referrals. 24/7 Concern Line Availability Provided live answering of the Concern Line 24/7, 365 days a year. Adjusted hours to accommodate Atlantic and Eastern time zones: Regular Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday; After-Hours Coverage: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. CST, weekends, and holidays through an after-hours agency. Stress Counseling Services Delivered stress counseling to callers in need, meeting mental health support objectives. Staff Qualifications and Training All staff held degrees or relevant experience in human sciences. Quarterly and individualized training sessions were conducted, along with ongoing professional development. Staff completed agriculture culture sensitivity training to effectively serve callers from all states and territories. Information and Referral Services Provided accurate information and referrals tailored to caller needs. Utilized an internal database and state-specific resources, including 2-1-1 systems, to ensure comprehensive support. Data Collection and Reporting ISU collected and maintained data for statistical and reporting purposes, including: Contact Details: State, topic, outcomes, referrals. Demographics: Age, sex, prior hotline usage (when provided). Additional Information: As requested by callers. Collaboration opportunities remain available for determining report formats and distribution. Impact Summary Through these efforts, ISU ensured continuity of critical mental health and resource support for agricultural communities in the Southern FRSAN Region. Despite organizational changes, ISU maintained high-quality service delivery, integrated regional resources, and upheld its commitment to professional standards and caller well-being.

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