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Meet the farmer that proposed a rural stress hotline

his segment is from SDPB's monthly news program, South Dakota Focus.

Earlier this year we talked about efforts to improve mental health care across the state. One program we didn't mention was the Farm and Rural Stress Hotline from Avera. The statewide hotline caters to the unique challenges that face farmers and ranchers.

Karl Oehlke proposed the idea. He's a certified physician assistant with Avera Medical Group, and he's a farmer himself. That firsthand experience helps him form a connection with many of the ag producers who call for help. Karl Oehlke tells us the story.

Jackie is based out of SDPB's Sioux Falls Studio.