Agricultural Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act
Mar 27, 2026
Mar 27, 2026
Summary
Orders a study to find ways to improve access to addiction and mental health care for farmers and ranchers facing stress from their work.
What problem does this solve?
Farmers and ranchers face many challenges like bad weather and market changes that affect their mental health, but they may struggle to get help. This bill requires a study to find the best ways to make mental health and addiction services more available to them in rural areas.
Who does this affect?
- Farmers
- Ranchers
- Agricultural workers and their families
What does this bill do?
Requires a study on mental health care access
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study how easy it is for farmers and ranchers to get addiction and mental health care services.
Examines providing free therapy sessions
Requires the study to look at the possibility of providing six reimbursable therapy sessions for farmers, ranchers, and their families.
Identifies barriers to care
Tasks the study with looking at the money, location, and cultural problems that stop farmers and ranchers from getting mental health care.
Authorizes funding for the study
Allows for $1 million to be spent each year from 2026 through 2029 to pay for the study.
Sets a deadline for the report
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to give a report with the study's findings to Congress within 180 days after the bill becomes law.
Requires collaboration with other groups
Mandates that the study be done in partnership with other government agencies, state agriculture departments, and mental health and farm groups.
What is the real world impact?
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Addresses a growing mental health crisis in agriculture
Recognizes the unique pressures on farmers and ranchers from factors like climate change and market volatility. Aims to gather data to create effective, targeted support programs to improve well-being in these communities.
When does this start?
The bill sets specific deadlines for a report and funding, which would begin if the bill becomes law.
Report to congress
The Secretary of Agriculture must submit a report with the study's findings no later than 180 days after the bill is enacted.
Funding authorization
Authorizes funding of $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2029.