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By farmnewsNOW Staff

Sask. tests news technology to improve farmer’s mental health

Jul 2, 2020 | 1:00 PM

A new mobile app will help analyze the mental health of farmers in the province and provide support.

The app – called ‘Avail’ – examines wellness data supplied by the user and then offers articles, videos and online tips, or more immediate help from a personal support network. The mobile app, which was developed by Bridges Health in Saskatoon, was selected following a province-wide Innovation Challenge where technology entrepreneurs offered solutions that would help workers in Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector actively monitor their mental health.

“Despite progress made, there is still stigma associated with asking for support when it comes to mental health,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “Having access to an app in the privacy of one’s own home will enhance the likelihood of people asking for help when they need it the most.”

In 2018, calls to province’s farm stress line doubled compared to the previous year and the COVID-19 pandemic is placing new pressures on farmers, ranchers and workers in the agriculture sector. Innovation Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Agriculture are partnering with the health services company to provide farmers with the new tool. As Innovation Challenge winners, the Bridges Health receives $10,000 in funding and a 16-week collaboration with government to develop the mobile app.

“Saskatchewan producers face unique challenges when it comes to dealing with mental health and we are committed to providing resources and strategies to help support them,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said. “We know there is a need for solutions like this and I’m looking forward to working with Bridges Health to provide a resource custom-built for the agriculture industry.”

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“As a company founded and based in Saskatchewan, the agriculture sector touches both our business and our families,” Bridges Health Vice President Leon Ferguson said. “We are honored to have this opportunity to work with government and partners to develop and advance this mental health and overall wellness tool.”

Previous Innovation Challenges projects introduced tech responses to rural crime, online permissions for hunting and fishing on private land and tracking landfill waste.

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