February 17, 2024 - Reedsburg, WI - Farmer Angel Network (FAN) was started by a few Loganville and Reedsburg community members five years ago after a local farmer died by suicide. They came together not only to comfort their neighbors, family and friends, but also to do something to avoid this ever happening again.
FAN, while still run by a small group of local volunteers, is now a recognized model throughout the state and nation for their efforts to decrease the stigma associated with mental health struggles and serve to promote the health of its farming community. FAN has been featured on a PBS Earth Focus documentary, PBS News Hour, NBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and hundreds more news and agricultural media forums.
FAN is recognizing five years of progress in reducing mental health stigma and struggles with a free community event on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Reedsburg’s CAL Center. This event will include a reception with light food and drinks, a program, exhibits and a free viewing of “The S Word” film. Please note trigger warning - suicide attempt and ideation.
“THE S WORD” takes an intimate look at the lives of survivors of suicide and their loved ones and records their candid and profoundly emotional stories of hope and survival. A suicide attempt survivor documents the stories of fellow survivors, their courage, insight and humor. This is a suicide project focusing on life. One testimonial states, "I kept finding that I was crying and laughing at the same time. No one expects to be inspired by a documentary on suicide but viewers will leave informed, inspired and uplifted."
Join us to learn more about Farmer Angel Network, recognize those that have helped partner and support our efforts along the way, visit exhibits from selected partners, and see the 60-minute film. This event is free and open to the public. See flyer below. Registration is preferred by March 10, 2024, at https://farmerangelnetwork.com/events or email farmerangelnetwork@gmail.com.
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About Farmer Angel Network
Farmer Angel Network is a grassroots effort to serve as a model of how thriving rural communities appreciate and celebrate agriculture through fellowship in order to decrease the stigma of mental health and serve to promote the health of its farming community as an asset to the wellbeing all within the community. Based in Sauk County, Wisconsin, the network includes farmers, healthcare workers, veterinarians, Sauk County Health Department, Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department, UW-Extension Sauk County, church members, and many others from the Sauk County community. The group’s efforts have been featured in the media locally, nationally and internationally. More info available at farmerangelnetwork.com.