Pawnee Mental Health enabled to establish endowment by Coughenour Trust

A gift of $25,000 from the Dean Coughenour Trust has enabled Pawnee Mental Health to establish an endowed fund in his name at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. The gift supports Pawnee’s Agriculture Assistance program.

“As the former owner and operator of Ag Press and Grass and Grain newspaper, we feel that endowing this program in Dean Coughenour’s name is a fitting way to honor his work and legacy,” said Robbin Cole, CEO of Pawnee Mental Health. “His leadership in the agricultural communications industry was widely respected throughout the state of Kansas. We are very grateful to the Dean Coughenour Trust for this gift to establish an endowed fund in his name.”

Coughenour, a lifelong Kansan, died in 2012 at the age of 83. He was a former high school English teacher, newspaper editor and publisher, and avid sports fan. He served the Manhattan community as a city commissioner from 1973 through 1977 and as mayor in 1977.

Pawnee’s Agriculture Assistance Program (Ag-AP) provides Kansas farmers and ranchers (plus their family members and workers) three free mental health sessions with a licensed mental health provider. All providers have received specialized training related to the unique mental health aspects found in the agriculture industry. If additional services are needed, the provider will make a referral for further treatment. Clients can meet with a provider either in person or via telehealth.

Working in agriculture takes a physical and mental toll on farmers, ranchers, their families, and their employees. Uncertainty about crop yields, the unpredictability of weather, and financial strain are just a few factors that contribute to the high rates of mental health symptoms this population experiences. These could be everything from depression or anxiety to family issues or substance use. When one person in a family is struggling to talk about their mental health, it can affect the entire family, causing a ripple effect of mental health symptoms.

As one of the largest industries in the Midwest, our agriculture population is vital for our communities, and it’s important for us to take care of them. This is why Pawnee created the Ag Assistance Program, to serve agriculture workers, families, and employees in all 10 counties we serve. Established in 2021, the Ag Assistance program has also been supported by numerous farm organizations, community foundations, corporations and individuals. As an endowed fund, it will generate earnings that will ensure the fund’s future.