Suicide is a leading cause of death in Arkansas.

This emphasizes the reality that many of our family, friends and neighbors struggle with their mental health. It affects people from all walks of life. Between 2020 and 2023, an estimated 13.2 million Americans seriously contemplated taking their own lives, and 1.6 million attempted to do so. 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, reminding us that behind each of these numbers is a face and story.

Certain groups are especially at risk in this battle, including rural residents, servicemembers and veterans, and our nation’s youth. 

Farmers are at the heart of rural America and face unique challenges out of their control such as unpredictable weather, market volatility and even isolation that create hardships for mental well-being. We have a responsibility to ensure that the men and women who feed, fuel and clothe the world are not facing these burdens alone. 

As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I was proud to join my colleagues Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) to introduce the bipartisan Farmers First Act of 2025 that would authorize $15 million annually for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), which connects agricultural workers to critical stress assistance and mental health services. This measure builds upon previous efforts I championed to establish FRSAN in the 2018 Farm Bill, ensuring our farmers and rural populations can access meaningful support and mental health care.

The increased suicide risk among those who have worn our nation’s uniform is well known, and I have also dedicated much work to find solutions that meet their needs.

I authored legislation alongside Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) that created the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program that provides essential funding for mental health outreach and suicide prevention in veteran communities. This initiative, which we are currently seeking to extend and enhance, is a critical effort to save the lives of veterans who battle mental health challenges. I look forward to Senate passage of our bill after it successfully passed out of committee earlier this year.

At the same time, we’re working to ensure the VA considers a range of factors involving veteran suicide and implements stronger, data-driven policy decisions that can translate into real-world success preventing that outcome. That’s why I am championing the Not Just A Number Act.

Investing in mental health care for all Americans is more important than ever.

We have made great strides in expanding access to reliable, empathetic help during a crisis. Congress enacted the 988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline that launched three years ago. This toll-free number connects callers to trained counselors for free, confidential care for those confronting a mental health emergency or in need of resources for a loved one.

Arkansas has made significant efforts to further its impact by adding a 988 text-to-chat feature. According to the Arkansas Crisis Center, suicide is the second-most common cause of fatalities among those 10-14 years old. Given young people’s communication preferences, the state launched the chat feature to improve access to support. 

Combating suicide is a complex problem with no single solution, but identifying and connecting those struggling with the resources they need is vital. I will continue working with my colleagues on bipartisan efforts to deliver tools and resources that spread hope and result in better mental health.