The Warwick Area Farmworker Organization (WAFO) is offering a free program in partnership with our partners Sun River Health, Warwick Cares, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that will address the critical issue of mental health in the farming community. Farmers face unique challenges, with suicide rates three and a half times higher than the general population. Providing insights, resources, and support to address mental health challenges prevalent among farmers and farmworkers. All are welcome to attend this crucial discussion.
Event Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Event Time: 7:00-8:30 PM
In Person Attendance: Alamo Community Center (890 Pulaski Hwy; Goshen, NY 10924) – Directions Here
Virtual Attendance via Zoom WebEx: https://sunriver-org.zoom.us/j/86969274642
Note: The Zoom App can be downloaded here ahead of time to make attendance easier on the event day.
The agenda includes a discussion and speakers who will help attendees to be more aware of mental health issues that farmers and farm workers often deal with in modern agriculture. By raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention for this community, the hope is to empower its members and their families to be aware of potential trouble signs as well as have resources to turn to for help when mental health professional care is needed by the community.
The film “Muckville” will be shown both in person and via WebEx along with all the speakers’ presentations. All interested persons are welcome to attend especially the migrant farm worker community and their adult family members that participate in WAFO sponsored programs.
Our Speakers:
- Judy Battista – Ms. Battista is a healing conversations coordinator with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and founder of Warwick Cares– a local organization that focuses on mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
- Chris Pawelski – Mr. Pawleski is a fourth-generation farmer who has been active in numerous farming related issues over the years.
EVENT REGISTRATION: Please register for this event by emailing us here and be sure to note whether you plan on attending the event in person or via WebEx.
Note: You can download a flyer version of this information in PDF format here if you wish to save the info for future use.
NEED HELP NOW: Do not wait for this event if you or someone you know is actively experiencing a mental health crisis. Instead, please dial 988 from any mobile or landline telephone/cell phone immediately if you are actively or recently have been experiencing suicidal thoughts. The 988 hotline will put you in contact immediately with the National Suicide Prevention hotline, a national hotline that assists those persons dealing with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts at no cost. Help is available today without stigma or judgement.