INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Indiana Rural Health Association and Purdue Extension to reduce mental health stigma in farm communities and connect people to stress assistance programs.

Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who serves as Indiana's secretary of agriculture, says the program will help communities ensure residents know there are available resources close to home.

The Ag Department has received a $500,000 federal grant to help pay for the initiative. It will work with the rural health group to hold workshops across the state to discuss mental health stigma and recognizing signs of mental health distress will be discussed.