Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing welcomes TELUS Health as exclusive provider for mental health services

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW), is on a mission to support farmers and their families with a research-to-action approach to mental health

With TELUS Health’s expertise and proven ability to deliver, CCAW has welcomed them as the exclusive clinical and technology provider for Canadian farmers who are facing catastrophic events, as well as for farmers who don’t have access to provincial and federal programming.

From floods, to pandemics and supply chain disruptions, farmers face many uncontrollable and unforeseen events that can impact their mental health. These types of events often result in higher than average rates of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues among farmers. According to the 2019 Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, 45% of farmers reported high stress levels, and 45% indicated they would not reach out for help if they were in need, due to the stigma around mental health.

“Collaborating with TELUS Health means that we have the infrastructure to provide clinical support and to farmers and the agricultural community across Canada” 

“Collaborating with TELUS Health means that we have the infrastructure to provide clinical support and much needed technology for education and community programs to support the wellbeing of farmers and the agricultural community across Canada,” said Dr. Briana Hagen, CEO and Lead Scientist at the CCAW.

Dr. Hagen is part of the CCAW’s all-women leadership team working with TELUS Health, and TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, to connect all Canadian farmers and the greater agriculture community to farmer-centred mental health resources, support and information, primarily with a grassroots approach.

“As a company rooted in social purpose, we jumped at the opportunity to work with the CCAW to help develop a support program and services for farmers – not only when a major crisis or natural disaster hits, but whenever they need access to counselling and care. TELUS Health’s expertise in health, agriculture, and digital infrastructure allows us to provide far-reaching support to the hard working Canadian farmers and families who work to put food on our tables every day,” said Michael Dingle, Chief Operating Officer, TELUS Health.

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing is a research-to-action organization supporting farm mental health across Canada. For more information visit www.ccaw.ca.