The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Department of Health are joining forces to offer a conference on Suicide Prevention for Rural Faith Leaders in Mankato on Sept. 29. Rural clergy and lay leaders of all faiths and denominations are welcome to attend.

“Rural communities tend to be pretty close-knit, and suicides touch a lot of people when they happen,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Faith often plays a big role in the lives of farm families, so pastors and lay leaders can play a critical role in preventing these deaths.”

The conference will:

• Increase rural faith leaders’ understanding about suicide and how they can play a role in suicide prevention.

• Provide high quality information and resources that will help their communities prevent suicide.

• Help faith leaders provide care and support to those affected by suicide to promote healing and prevent further suicides.

There is no cost for this conference, but re-registration is required. Interested faith leaders can register at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress or by calling 507-344-2747.