Norton Telegram 1 Norton,KS Circ. 1701

From Page: 5

7/3/2009 - - - - - ' r 33 7 Plain Sense7 ~ k n t a l health in ,,, D. ,ue,er ,

I q a q areasourceof embanassment and 1 rural area studied shame forthe sufferer. In addition, friends, family, and loved ones may also feel responsible, guilty,

1 or even angry at the person who Mental illness is common in the leading cause of disability for men* heafthassistance.

both urbanand rural -,affect- people between the ages of 15 to It realize that ing approgimately Z percent of 44in the United States. mental illnesses and behavioral the U.S. population in any given It is generally accepted that disorders are preventable and year and more than half of the stress isassociated withincreased When there are ques- population over a lifetime. mental healthdisorders. Individu- tiom Or concerns about afamil~

According to a recent report als living in rural areas face some memberorlovedone*orregarding out of the gntqfor Rural Affairs unique stressors compared to their ~ m r ~ ~ n ~ ~ ~ ~ - b ~ ~ ~ g * a g o o d ~ l a c e in Lyons, Neb., titletPTMknfal urban counterparts. Indeed, rural f o s m a wlthlodn%our~~ss~ch Health: Overlooked and Disre- stressors such as economiclmar- as your family physician, clergy, garded in Rural America*', there ket conditions, natural disasters, school counselor* county health are some mental health issues andsocial isolatjonaremmcycli- and mental health that tend to be more severe in the cal in nature than those stressors countryside than within the city commonly associated with urban (This coLumn ~ ~ ~ s u b m i n e d b ~ limits. settings. Ken LAOS, MS, LMLP, LCP Pre-

Dr. DianneTravers Gustafsonof In spite of these challenges, v e ~ i o n ~ Education* and Outreach Creighton University, the primary many barriers prevent rural Amer- at High Plains author of this report, challenges icans from receiving thecarethey Hays. The the stereotypical image that de- need, with the most obvious being views e ~ m s s e d hen are those of scribes rural individuals as being the lack of availability and acces- the individual writer and should more laid back, less stressed, and sibility of services. In fact, of the not be cotwidered a replacement more content. She found that ma- 1,669 federally designated areas .Ibrsee~ng~~fessio~heL~. Mail jor depression rates in some rural where mental health profession- questions to High Plains Men- areas significantly exceed those als are either completely absent tal Health Center. attn: P U N in urban areas. A related finding or few in number, more than 85 SENSE) prevention, Education, shows teens and older adults in percent are in rural aftas. andoutreach Department (PEO) ruralareashavesignificantly Anothermajorobstacleinac- 2°8East7*h*Ha~s~KS67601. higher suicide rates than their cessing mental health services euestiomwillbefomtteda urban counterparts. Even when is the social stigma attached to ~ e r e d i ~ a m - r t h a t h u r e s major depressivedisordersdonot these disorders. Unlike physicd c*njCdentialit~-.) lead to suicide, the illness is still illnesses, mental illnesses often

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MONITOR THURSDAY WEEKLY BLOOMFIELD, NE Circulation= 1405

Nebraskans Have Say in Health tare

By Virginia Wolking, vir- giniaw@cfra.org, Center for Rural

I -Affairs e " * Farmers, small business owners and

employees of small businesses across Nebraska agree: the time is now for health care reform.

Luckily for Nebraskans, Senator Ben Nelson, is playing a key role in the health care reform debate. As Senator Nelson searches for solutions to rural America's health care challenges, he needs to hear from rural Nebraskans.

Make a difference by calling or writing to Senator Nelson.

Rural people know that our health care system can work better than it does today.

Owner-operated farms, ranches and small businesses dominate the rural economy. Reform must provide op- tions, including a public health insur- ance option, for small businesses and their employees. Rural America also needs health care reform that provides quality, affordable options to everyone, treats rural providers fairly and creates incentives to keep our doctors, nurses and other providers in our small towns. Health care reform will spur entrepre- neurial rural development and stimulate our economy.

When you write to Nelson, be sure to include your own experiences with -w health care and the importance of health care reform to your community.

Help us track our progress toward health care reform by emailing (vir- giniaw@cfra.org) or calling (402-687- 2103 x1017) to inform us that you wrote.

Find more information at http://www.cfra.org/09/Write-to- Nelson or mail your letter today to

-- Senator -pep Nebon, Attention:- Joe - Britton 440 North 8th StrecC Suite I20

Lincoln, NE 68508. Senator Nelson is positioning him-

self to be a mediator in the health care reform debate. That means Nebraskans have a powerful voice in this debate.

The Center for Rural Affairs was es- tablished in 1973 as an unaffiliated nonprofit corporation under 1RS code 501(c)3. The Center for Rural Affairs was formed by rural Nebraskans con- cerned about family farms and rural communities, and we work to strengthen small businesses, family fanns and ranches, and rural communi- ties.

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REPORTER WEDNESDAY WEEKLY GIBBON, NE Circulabon = 794

07/09/2009 !

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- REAP holding community informational meeting in Gibbon Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Services discussed

On Wednesday, July 15, assistance opportunities for 2009 Nancy Flock, Business startup and existing small Specialist with the Center businesses. for Rural Affairs' Rural En- "If you have your own terprise Assistance Project business or are thinking (REAP) will hold an infor- about starting one, please mational community meet- join us for the opportunity ing a t the Gibbon Public Li- to network with others and brary in Gibbon, located a t learn more about REAP," 116 LaBarre Street. Nancy commented Flock. "Net- will discuss entrepreneur- working and knowledge are ship, and services of REAP important in business. This and the Hispanic Business meeting will provide the op- Center from 6:00 to 7:00 portunity to network while p.m. The meeting will be learning about a small conducted in Spanish. business resource that is

- The Center for Rural Af- available for Hispanic Ne- fairs' REAP program pro- braskan's in rural commu- vides lending, training, nities." networking, and technical For more information,

contact, Nancy Flock, REAP Hispanic Business Specialist at (308)534-3508 or nancyf@cfra.org.

More information about REAP can be found at www. cfra.org/reap. The Center for Rural Affairs receives funding for REAP from the Nebraska Microenterprise Development Act, Commu- nity Development Block Grants through the Nebras- ka Department of Economic Development, Small Busi- ness Administration, United States Department of Agri- culture and other sources.

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NEMAHA CO. HERALD FRIDAY WEEKLY AUBURN, NE Circulation= 2628 1 07,0912009

Farm Bill Programs Available '..,

for You and Your Community There are many farm bill programs that offeroppor-

tunities for farmers, ranchers and aspiring farmers and 1 ranchers. The trick is being aware of these programs

and being able to comprehend them. The Center for Rural Affairs' recently released guide, Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Community, is designed to provide farmers and ranchers information on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farm- ing or ranching, establish high-value niche markets, implement conservation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country. There are programs on conservation, credit and land access, rural development and local food,

research, horticulture and organic, and risk manage- ment and outreach. Perhaps even more valuable for users is the resource section at the end of the guide. It includes state-by-state contacts for government agencies, nonprofits and others in the know about how programs can be accessed in each state.

The free guide can be downloaded at: http://www. cfra.orgh1odell9 17

The Center is also operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in (402-687-2100) and re- ceive assistance in accessing farm bill programs.

People are also encouraged to call the helpline to share their experiences with the programs. It is criti- cal that farmers and ranchers add their voices to this process so these programs work effectively to serve their needs and the needs of their communities.

For more information: www.cfra.org

(402) 342-31 78

FRIDAY WEEKLY AUBURN, NE - Circulanon = 2628

07/09/2009

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centerfor Rural Affairs Offers Producers, Assistance with Farm Bill Guide, Helpline

- The Center for Rural Affairs recently released their farm bill guide, Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Community.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country. There are five conservation programs, six credit and land access programs, five rural developnient and local food programs, two research programs, three horticulture and organic programs, and two risk management and outreach programs.

The Center is also operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing farm bill programs.

The Farm Bill Helpline is also intended as a source for farmers and ranch- ers to call if they encounter barriers when applying for these programs.

Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline. For more information and to download the full guide visit: http://www.

cfra.org/node/ I9 17 -- --

TIMES-TRIBUNE THURSDAY WEEKLY BEAVER CITY, NE Circulation= 873 1

Page 10

Nebraska Small Business Supports Health Care Reform szaveY finds dramatic busi- and urban businesses. That includes ness support for health care re- dramatic support for inclusion of a form, especia/ly among rural N ~ - public health insurance option in brasku's self-employed and small Congressional reform ~ r o ~ o s a l s . business owners "The lack of availability of af-

L ~ ~ ~ ~ , N E - ~ ~ d ~ ~ , the small fordable and quality health insur- @usjness Majority released their ance is the primary barrier to entre- survey of Nebraska small business preneurship reaching its potential owners' attitudes regarding health for people and rural commu- care reform. Organizational ex- nities. The cost of health insurance perts, including John Arensmeyer, Prevents family farmers and ranch- founder and CEO of Small ~ ~ ~ i - ers, small businesses and entrepre- ness ~ ~ j ~ ~ i ~ , , and jon Bailey, R ~ - neurs from expanding their busi- ral Research and Analysis Director nesses and creating jobs. As this for the Center for Rural Affairs, Survey demonstrates, the cost and

in further detail on the inadequacy of health insurance is survey results and took questions killing the entrepreneurial dreams from media on a media conference and opportunities needed to rein- call. Shirley McGinn, a* Anselmo vigorate much of rural America," rancher and owner of a rural small Bailey dded . business in Broken Bow., also pro- K ~ Y Findings vided commentary about her health Nebraska business Owners

insurance experiences and an- view access to health insurance as a swered questions on the call. -- significant barrier to entrepreneur-

The audio of the media confer- ship, see reform as necessary and ence call and full report can be important to getting the

downloaded at the following: back on track, and see themselves www,cfra,org - audio of media as part of the solution, working to-

teleconference files.cfra.org/pdf/Ne- gether with the government, braska-research-repoc62609.pdf insurers and providers. Other - a full copy of the Small Business findings Majority Report The number one concern for Ne-

A recent survey conducted by the braska small business owners in Small Business Majority found that health care reform is controlling 63% of Nebraska small businesses costs, followed by having cover- say health care reform is important age that is guaranteed and covers to getting the economy on track, everybody. while 70% support the creation o f 82% of those businesses not of- an option to purchase health insur- fering health insurance say they ance from a public health insurance can't afford to, while 72% of plan. And 82% of those Nebraska those who do offer it say they are

-. small businesses not offering health struggling to do so. insurance say they cannot afford to, = 80% of small businesses want to while 72% of those who do offer it eliminate preexisting condition say they are struggling to do so. rules, and 63% see these rules as

"The results of this survey clearly a barrier to starting a business. demonstrate that the current health 70% support the choice of a pri- insurance system does not work vate or public health insurance well for small businesses. They pay plan. too much and receive too little in 63% say health care reform is im- the way of quality and security. portant to getting the economy The results also send a clear mes- back on track. sage to Congress - small businesses 51% say their company has a re- want a reformed system that pro- sponsibility to provide health vides affordable, quality health coverage for its employees. coverage that provides options that . Small Business Majority is a cover more people and more busi- leading national small business ad- nesses, including a public health in- vocacy organization focused on surance option." said Jon Bailey, health care reform. The organiza- -

t Director of Research and-Analysis tion conducts original scientific re- - at the Center for Rural Affairs. search exploring the experiences

According to Bailey, while rural and opinions of small business businesses in the survey Inore owners about health care r e f ~ r m strongly state that they cannot af- throughout the nation, and projects ford health coverage, as far as pre- Continued on Page 13 p,

ferred approaches to health care re- ;~:::::~::::::~X~YYYTTYY~ form and important reform goals, b

b : there is no difference between rural b --..---.-IU .--- b

-- -. --$I.' ., ., \ this voice to policymakers through -~ a network of small business spokespeople. cerned about fanlily farms and rural

The Center for Rural Affairs communities, and we work to ( ~ ~ ~ . c f r a . o r g ) was established in strengthen small businesses, family I973 by rural Nebraskans con- farms and ranches, and rural corn- !

munities.

I U NIVERSAL Information Services, Inc

1 TIMES-TRIBUNE THLTRSDAY WEEKLY BEAVER CITY, NE Circulation = 873

07/09/2009

WllllllllllllllllllllllIIIIlllI IIIII -, - -- -

Farm Bill Programs for - You and Your Community

By Elisha Greeley Smith, elishas@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

'There are many farm bill pro- grams that offer opportunities for

- farmers, ranchers and aspir ing farmers and ranchers. The trick IS

being aware of these programs and being able to comprehend them.

- The Center for Rural Affairs' re- cently released guide, Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Com- munity, is designed to provide farmers and ranchers information on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, establish high-value niche markets, implement conser- vation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to or-

-- ganic f a r d n g or ranching. --

The comprehensive guide pro- vides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country. There are programs on conservation, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c I c ~ c ~ ~ u ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ F ~ c I c I c

credit and land access, rural devel- opment and local food, research, horticulture and organic, and risk management and outreach. Perhaps even more valuable for users is the resource section at the end of the guide. I t includes state-by-state contacts for government agencies. nonprofits and others in the know.

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about how programs can be ac- bill programs. . - cessed in each state. People are also encouraged to

The free guide can be down- call the helpline to share their expe- loaded at: I~ttp:l'w~~~w.cf~~a.~t~~ riences with the programs. It is nodell 9 17 critical that farmers and ranchers

The Center is also operating a add their voices to this process so Farm Bill Helpline where produc- these programs work effectively to rs can call in (402-687-2100) and serve their needs and the needs of eceive assistance in accessing farm their communities.

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Information Services, Inc (402) 342-31 78

NEWS-BLADE WEDNESDAY WEEKLY BFUDGEPORT, NE

- -- - -

Wednesday, July 8,2009--Bridgeport N e ~ ~ ~ B l a d e ~ ~ p a g e ~ . e _ _ v , ~ n - --

Farm Bill Guide and Help Line The Center for Rural Affairs

recently released their farm bill guide, Farm Bill Programsjbr You and Your Community. The guide is designed to provide fanners and ranchers informa- tion on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, establish high-value niche markets, im- plement conservation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farm- ers, ranchers and rural people across the country. There are five conservation programs, six credit and land access pro- grams, five rural development and local food programs, two research programs, three horti- culture and organic programs, and two risk management and outreach programs. Perhaps even more valuable for users is the resource section at the end of the guide. It includes state- by-state contacts for govern- ment agencies, nonprofits and others in the know about how programs can be accessed in each state.

The Center is also operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in and re- ceive assistance in accessing farm bill programs.

"The Center for Rural Af- fairs has a long history of as- sisting family farmers and ranchers to access farm bill programs," said Traci Bruck- ner with the Center for Rural

For more information and to download the fullnuide visit:

u

Affairs. "Through our hel~!ine http://www.cfraorg/node/l912 you will get to speak to a real . - - -- person who is knowledgeable about the program rules to help you understand how to partici- pate in the program."

The Farm Bill Helpline is also intended as a source for farmers and ranchers to call if they encounter barriers when applying for these' programs. "The only way we can truly know how these programs are being put into practice on the ground is to learn from the farmers and ranchers who ap- ply for them," said Bruckner. Producers can call (402) 687- 2 100 and ask for the Farm Bill '-Ielpline.

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WEDNESDAY WEEKLY GOTHENBUR@ NE r = . -

Circulation = 2378. E

_I.

I Farm bill guide, = -

help line to assist farmers, ranchers

The Center for Rural Affairs recently released their farm bill guide, Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Community.

The guide is designed to provide farmers and ranchers in- formationon farm bill programs that can help them get started in tarmingor ranching, establish high-value nichemarkets, imple- ment conservation-basedfarm- ing or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill programs that are targeted to help farm- ers, ranchers and rural people across the country.

There are five conservation programs, six credit and land access programs, five rural development and local food pro- grams, two research programs, three horticulture and organic programs and two risk manage- ment and outreach programs.

Perhaps even more valuable for users is the resource section at the end of theguide. It includes state-by-state contacts for gov- ernment agencies, nonprofits and others in the know about how programs can be accessed

in each state. The center is also operating

a Farm Bill Helpline where pro- ducers can call in and receive assistance in accessing farm bill programs.

"The Center for Rural Affairs has a long history of assisting family farmers and ranchers to access farm bill programs," said Traci Bruckner with the center. "Through our helpline you will get to speak to a real person who is knowledgeable about the program rules to help you understand how to participate in the program."

The Farm Bill Helpline is also intended as asource for farmers and ranchers to call if they en- counter barriers when applying for these programs.

"The only way we can truly know how these programs are being put into practice on the ground is to learn from the farm- ers and ranchers who apply for them," said Bruckner.

Producers can call (402) 687- 2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline.

For more information and to download the full guide visit: http://www.cfra.org/node/1917

i (402) 342-31 78 ' NEWS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY CREIGHTON, NE Circulation = 13 10

0711 512009

CENTER for RURAL AFFAIRS

Values. Worth. Action.

'Farm Bill Programs For You' By Elisha Greeley Smith, elishas@cfra.org, Center for Rural AfSairs

There are many farm bill programs that offer opportunities for farmers, ranchers and aspiring farmers and ranchers. The trick is being aware of these programs and being able to comprehend them. The Center for Rural Affairs' recently released guide, "Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Commu- nity," is designed to provide farmers and ranchers information on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, establish high-value niche markets, implement conservation-based farming or ranch-

[ . ing systemseas well as transition to ~ a a n i c farming or ranching. The comprehensive guide provides7nformation on 23 different farm bill

programs that are targeted to-help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the country. 'There are programs on conservation, credit and land access, rural development and local food, research, horticulture and organic, and risk management and outreach. Perhaps even more valuable for users is the resource section a1 the end of the guide. It includes state-by-state contacts for government agencies, nonprofits and others in the know about how pro- grams can be accessed in each state. "

The free guide can be downloaded at www.cfra.org. The Center is also operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call

in, (402) 687-2100, and receive assistance in accessing farm bill programs. People are also encouraged to call the helpline to share their experiences

with the programs. It is critical that farmers and ranchers add their voices to this process so these programs work effectively to serve their needs and the needs of their communities.

NIVERSAL lnformatlon Services, Inc

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NEWS-BLADE / WEDNESDAY WEEKLY

Circulation = 1695 I NE

1

Scottsbluff I Holding REAP Office Hours Rural Enterprise Assistunce Project ( M A P ) Services Dis- cu.rsed

On Wednesday, July 22, Nancy Flock, Business Spe- cialist with the Center for Ru- ral Affairs' Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Hispanic Business Center (HBC), will hold office hours in Scottsbluff. Hours will be 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Guadalupe Center located at 1200 East 9th St.

The Center for Rural Affairs' REAP HBC program provides lending, training, networking and technical assistance oppor- tunities for start up and exist- ing Hispanic small businesses.

"Business planning is crucial during tough econo~nic times and by making an appointment L~

for a meeting they could have E- access to one-on-one assis- tance," commented Flock. "l'his is an opporti~nity to learn :

more about the services REAP -HBC offers. Entrepreneurs can also learn more about training opportunities available and be able to provide input on train- ings they would like to see j available."

Flock will provide informa- tion in Spar:iqh about the REAP HBC aud will meet with Hispanics who are interested in starting their own business or currently are in business.

For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Nancy Flock, REAP Hispanic Business Spe- cialist at 308.534.3508 or nanc~f@~cfra.org --

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TRIBUNE

FREMONT, Nebraska

."- --- ~ a t e : Saturday, July 25,2009 1 p!E!-S?!! - , . ,

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Circulation: 81 76 Clip Size: 19.92 sq. inches Ad Rate: $16.17 Pagelsection: A 6

Farmers should support reform

Jim Goodman McClatchy Tribune

Our current health care system is crushing farmers. And the proposals under consideration in Congress won't give us the relief we need,

Oh, we can try to find individual coverage,,but the price is exorbitant, with extremely high deductibles.

Farmers have few options for health insurance, yet we desperately need comprehensive coverage. Farming is one of the most danger- ous occupations in America: heavy machinery, large animals, long hours in the sun and exposure to hazardous pesticides can all take

their toll. Rural residents are twice as likely

to be uninsured as urban Americans, while farmers and ranchers are four times as likely to be underinsured, notes theCeaterfnr Rural Affairs.

House Llemocrats exulted over their 1,018-page health care reform bill. "It is really historic. It's trans- formation. It's momentous," Speak- er Nancy Pelosi said.

The best part of the bill is an amendment by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D - Ohio, that would allow states to experiment with their own single-payer health care plans with- out being penalized by the federal government for doing so.

It's also distressing that President Obama has distanced himself from single payer as fast as he could, even though a February CNN poll showed

72 percent favored a government- controlled plan.

The insurance companies, in hopes of killing single payer, say they are willing to cover those with "pre -existing conditions" -provid- ed everyone buys their health insur- ance. Of course, they could still deny payment of claims; they're very good at that.

Without a public option, much less without single payer, farmers and the self -employed would be, at best, underinsured- or fined for not having private insurance.

Some Americans lack confidence in the government's ability to ad- minister a public health insurance plan. But it's bee? doing a pretty good job with Medicare and Medic- aid.

-- Universal Information Services , lnc. http://news.universaI-info.com Page: 1 / I Profile: 11 1 - Center for Rural ARairs Recipient: John Crabtree

1 POST & NEWS-CHRONICLE WEDNESDAY WEEKLY BENKELMAN, NE Circulation = 1 15 1 b

July REAP Hours Derla Brck. ccritral :ind 7

soutfiwcst Nebraska Busitless - . Specialist with thc Crntrr f o ~ Rural Affairs* Kllra! En!cr.p~-js~. Assis1a11c:r 1'1-ujcct will hold officc h o u r s in McCook 011

July 2,'ith. Hours will be 1: 15 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. M~Cooli Eccnomic: Devalopnzcnt C:orp. (MEDC) will handle the appo~nt ments; (308) 34 5- 1200. MP;l)C' office is located at 301 Norl-is Avenur, Suite 200.

The Center for R ~ ~ r a l Afhirs' Rural Enterprise Assistai~ce Project (REAP) and its scrviccs are avai1al)lc to rural cornmw nities across Nebraska. REAP offers technical assistance, educational and networking op-

, portunities, and a loan program for small businesses. REAP is designed to assist all types of small businesses, including businesses with 5 or fewer em- ployees, self-employed hlu-time, part-time, home-based, farrrl--

r based, start-up, and store-front businesses.