Jun 19, 2018

Leadership award goes to Minnesota rep for Stress Act work

American Agri-Women (AAW) recently recognized Congressman Tom Emmer of Minnesota with the Presidential Leadership Award for his role in sponsoring the Stemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide bill, known as the Stress Act (H.R. 5259). The bill will reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance network (FRSAN) to make mental health treatment more available for farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers.

AAW President Jeanette Lombardo presented Emmer with the inaugural award at the Congressional reception held during AAW’s Annual Legislative Fly-In to D.C. The recipient is selected based on their commitment to an issue of urgent importance to agriculture.

“This is the right time to appropriate these mental health funds, an issue that is critically important for the health of our rural communities, our farmers and ranchers and their families,” said Lombardo.

AAW is a national coalition of more than 50,000 farm, ranch and agribusiness members from 60 affiliates including state and commodity organizations.

Since the organization’s inception in 1974, the American Agri-Women have worked together to educate consumers; advocate for agriculture; and offer networking and professional development opportunities.

For more information, or to join, visit AmericanAgriWomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: facebook.com/AgriWomen and twitter.com/Women4Ag.

Photo above: Congressman Tom Emmer of Minnesota receives the Presidential Leadership Award from Amerian Agri-Women President Jeanette Lombardo.