The Citizens Club of Springfield’s January 26 public policy breakfast covered a subject close to home: the shortage of health care professionals and its current and future impact on Springfield. SIU School of Medicine Dean and Provost Dr. Jerry Kruse was the featured speaker and Dr. Stephen Stone , SIU Medicine professor emeritus, served as moderator. The discussion covered the types of medical positions most affected, factors contributing to the shortages, the impact on our region, and what was being done or can be done to address the issue.

The Citizens Club of Springfield’s January 26 public policy breakfast covered a subject close to home: the shortage of health care professionals and its current and future impact on Springfield. SIU School of Medicine Dean and Provost Dr. Jerry Kruse was the featured speaker and Dr. Stephen Stone , SIU Medicine professor emeritus, served as moderator. The discussion covered the types of medical positions most affected, factors contributing to the shortages, the impact on our region, and what was being done or can be done to address the issue.

In the heart of rural communities, where the fields stretch far and wide under the open sky, there exists a resilience ingrained in the very fabric of farming life. People often equate this resilience with toughness – a quality deeply revered within the agricultural community, both in physical endurance and mental fortitude. However, as discussions illuminate, this same toughness can sometimes be a double-edged sword, especially when it comes to mental health. The paradox of toughness in farming is evident. Being a good farmer requires resilience to weather challenges, yet this same toughness

Considering farming for several more years? Stepping back? Or something in-between? Join us online for a discussion designed to assist farmers and farm families with developing a succession plan for their future generations. PRESENTERS: Wesley Tucker, Field Specialist in Agricultural Business, University of Missouri Extension Monica McConkey, Agricultural Mental Health Counselor, Minnesota REGISTRATION: To register for one or multiple sessions: Call 618-701-1251 or email lynn.weis@siu.edu No cost to attend. Space is limited, please register early. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/3650152942

Considering farming for several more years? Stepping back? Or something in-between? Join us online for a discussion designed to assist farmers and farm families with developing a succession plan for their future generations. PRESENTERS: Wesley Tucker, Field Specialist in Agricultural Business, University of Missouri Extension Monica McConkey, Agricultural Mental Health Counselor, Minnesota REGISTRATION: To register for one or multiple sessions: Call 618-701-1251 or email lynn.weis@siu.edu No cost to attend. Space is limited, please register early. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/3650152942

Considering farming for several more years? Stepping back? Or something in-between? Join us online for a discussion designed to assist farmers and farm families with developing a succession plan for their future generations. PRESENTERS: Wesley Tucker, Field Specialist in Agricultural Business, University of Missouri Extension Monica McConkey, Agricultural Mental Health Counselor, Minnesota REGISTRATION: To register for one or multiple sessions: Call 618-701-1251 or email lynn.weis@siu.edu No cost to attend. Space is limited, please register early. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/3650152942

Considering farming for several more years? Stepping back? Or something in-between? Join us online for a discussion designed to assist farmers and farm families with developing a succession plan for their future generations. PRESENTERS: Wesley Tucker, Field Specialist in Agricultural Business, University of Missouri Extension Monica McConkey, Agricultural Mental Health Counselor, Minnesota REGISTRATION: To register for one or multiple sessions: Call 618-701-1251 or email lynn.weis@siu.edu No cost to attend. Space is limited, please register early. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/3650152942

Considering farming for several more years? Stepping back? Or something in-between? Join us online for a discussion designed to assist farmers and farm families with developing a succession plan for their future generations. PRESENTERS: Wesley Tucker, Field Specialist in Agricultural Business, University of Missouri Extension Monica McConkey, Agricultural Mental Health Counselor, Minnesota REGISTRATION: To register for one or multiple sessions: Call 618-701-1251 or email lynn.weis@siu.edu No cost to attend. Space is limited, please register early. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/3650152942