BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) -- The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center has a new statewide initiative that directly addresses the mental health crisis in rural Louisiana communities. The Rural Connection for Rural Resilience program is a groundbreaking effort providing free teletherapy to farmers and rural residents. Health experts said farmers are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap in mental health services for those who are often underserved. The program offers eight free virtual counseling teletherapy sessions by licensed counselors. The free service is available until the middle of 2025. Program leaders said this is a direct reflection of Southern's ongoing commitment to supporting access to mental health resources in rural communities and creating sustainable, long-term impacts. Click here to sign up for teletherapy sessions. Louisiana sees decline in mental health issues post-pandemic Latest News Former Baton Rouge high school football star delivers homes to Tallahassee single mothers Supreme Court appears split on Oklahoma death row inmate’s fate  Landfall timeline: When will Hurricane Milton hit Florida? The best Prime Day Lego deals on sets that rarely go on sale Plane crashes on California island, killing all 5 on board