Maine Senate gives initial support to Sen. Ingwersen bill to promote mental health and wellness in heritage industries

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, March 10, the Maine Senate gave its unanimous, bipartisan support to a bill from Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel. LD 2144, “Resolve, to Establish a Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries,” would create a working group to meet and produce policy recommendations to address the mental health needs of Maine’s farmers, fishermen and loggers.

“Yesterday, as I was checking on my bees and their hives, I was thinking about the hardworking men and women in our heritage industries,” said Sen. Ingwersen. “For many of them, the spring means longer days and more work. Fluctuating schedules and seasonal work can take a real toll on their physical and mental health. With this proposed working group, we have a perfect opportunity to identify specific needs and actionable solutions so that we can support farmers, fishermen and loggers all year.” 

The working group would include members from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry; the Department of Health and Human Services; the Department of Marine Resources; the University of Maine Cooperative Extension; the agriculture industry, the fishing industry; the forestry or logging industry; a statewide mental health services organization; an occupational health and safety organization; an expert in rural public health services; and a statewide organization that delivers community services.

During the work session, the Committee agreed on an additional duty: to examine the impact of a lack of access to primary care services in rural areas, where heritage industries are largely located. 

If approved, the working group would produce a report by Dec. 1, 2026. Subsequently, the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry; the Committee on Health and Human Services; and the Committee on Marine Resources to submit legislation based on the report’s recommendations to the 133rd Maine Legislature in 2027.

Recently, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension conducted a survey, revealing that 61% of respondents from agriculture, aquaculture and wild-harvest fisheries identified the need for increased public education to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health. Suicide rates remain higher for agriculture, fishing and forestry occupation groups.

In the coming weeks, LD 2144 will face additional votes in the Senate and House.

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