Hannah Konschuh applied for funding to run a mental health first aid certification training (MHFA) course for agriculture in Strathmore.

On Monday, February 24 and Tuesday, February 25, this sold out course was held at Origin Malting & Brewing Co. All the spots for this course are offered free of charge, and people just had to sign up to take part.

Konschuh who runs a grain farm East of Strathmore near Cluny was the volunteer coordinator for the event, she is also the Vice Chair for the Alberta Wheat Commission.

On behalf of Strathmore, Konschuh applied to the Do More Agriculture Foundation in order to be able to run the course, "I’m thankful that DoMoreAg, along with their partners have brought this course to a number of rural communities across Canada," said Konschuh

When asked if Origin Malting & Brewing Co. would host the event digital marketing and taproom manager Meleah Geeraert said, "When Hannah first approached me regarding hosting this MHFA course that was geared towards agriculture I jumped on board, as I think it's important everyone help bring mental health awareness to light and end the stigma around it."

Geeraert being in the agricultural industry for her adult life and watching her parents work the same farm she sees the importance of these programs, "We all know someone affected whether it's a friend or a family member and growing up a farm kid I see that it's even important to learn the skills to properly support those with mental health issues in the agricultural community," Geeraert said.

Mental health can be a touchy subject for some, but Konschuh wants to help people get out in front of it.

Konschuh said, "Going through the training myself, along with a great group of like-minded rural people, reinforced to me that we all have a story related to mental health, whether we supported someone through a mental health challenge or it's a personal story."

Knowing first hand how demanding and sometimes frustrating farming, ranching, and all the supporting occupations can be, Konschuh knows how important mental health can be in the industry.