Describes Farmers Helping Farmers, a network of rural mutual-help support groups that aim to extend support, increase adaptive coping skills, and share information in rural communities. Discusses individual, family, and community treatment aspects as they relate to rural culture and the rural crisis. Contains 18 references. (SV)

Two Central Illinois farming communities (one Amish and one non-Amish) were selected for this study on the basis of preliminary interviews with individuals knowledgeable about communities in this geographic area in which residents generally assist one another in times of need, rather than seek outside help. Residents of Amish communities and some…