RALEIGH, N.C. — Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which has caused an estimated tens of billions of dollars in damage across Western North Carolina, local farmers are grappling with both physical and psychological recovery.
Farming is already recognized as one of the most dangerous and emotionally challenging professions, often characterized by its unpredictable nature. In the wake of natural disasters, farmers face not only the destruction of property and personal belongings but also the potential loss of family legacies and livelihoods.
Fortunately, support is available for those affected during this difficult period. The North Carolina Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), part of the N.C. Agromedicine Institute and coordinated by East Carolina, N.C. A&T State, and NC State universities, offers a range of stress assistance resources and programs tailored for farmers and agricultural workers.
Among the key resources is the North Carolina Farm Help Line, which operates 24/7. This hotline provides farmers, farmworkers, and their families with access to mental health support, as well as financial, legal, and other forms of assistance as needed.
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