Ted Matthews gets calls from farmers (and ranchers) all over the country who contemplate suicide. Holly Spangler, editor of Prairie Farmer, shares the amazing story of the work he does and the farmers who call him at their tipping point. He may be able to help one of your customers.
Source: Prairie Farmer, September 20, 2018. Link. “First the vet called. Then I told the vet to have the son call. I explained to the son how to talk to the dad, to have him call me. He did. We talked, and things got better.”
Ted is something of a one-man band. . . . Today his title is director of rural mental health, and if you call his number – 320-266-2390 – he may be your last best resort as someone who understands agriculture and desperate times and knows how to help.
INSIGHTS: The reality of suicides by those who work in clinics and on farms is tough. This is the sixth time we’ve highlighted it this year. Ted Matthew may be the friend your customer needs. If not, perhaps one of the resources we shared earlier can help. You can read about them here. Link.