CO SB057

Creates the agricultural workforce mental health and suicide prevention program in the Colorado Department of Agriculture to address unique challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and farm workers.

Requires the department to establish a public awareness campaign, contract with a nationally recognized nonprofit to operate a free crisis support hotline tailored to agricultural workers, and develop mental wellness plans for those affected by natural disasters.

Mandates coordination of suicide prevention and crisis management services with state agencies including the Department of Human Services and Behavioral Health Administration, with collaboration on the 988 crisis hotline.

Requires data collection on program outcomes and submission of reports to the House Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources Committee and Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on September 1, 2025, and every other year thereafter.

Establishes findings that Colorado has one of the top ten highest suicide rates nationally, with agricultural workers facing suicide risk more than twice the statewide average due to financial pressures, weather, commodity market volatility, and limited rural health resources.