Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

On International Overdose Awareness Day, we’re reminded that substance use and recovery are topics we can’t afford to ignore in the construction industry. Join us in October for a powerful discussion on creating workplaces that support recovery, reduce stigma, and prioritize a true culture of care. Speakers:         • Cal Beyer, CWP          • Nick Williams          • Dana Wentzel Piscopo, CPRC, CFAA, CSRC, CMHFA  Culture of Care: Recovery in the Workplace 📅 Wednesday, October 15 🕐 1 PM EST Registration details coming soon—mark your calendar now. https://lnkd.in/eJuDpuGW #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay #OverdosePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #SAFEProject #CIASP #ConstructionIndustry #TogetherWeCan #EndOverdose #IOAD2025

August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day Grief is a universal experience—yet it’s often misunderstood. It can show up as sadness, anger, exhaustion, or even silence. And it doesn’t follow a timeline. National Grief Awareness Day is a reminder to:         • Recognize that everyone grieves differently         • Offer support without judgment or expectation         • Be patient—with yourself and with others         • Remember that healing is a process, not a destination If someone you know is grieving, your presence matters more than perfect words. Sometimes, simply listening or checking in can make all the difference. Today, let’s show compassion for those carrying the weight of loss—on the job, at home, and in our communities. #suicideprevention #ZeroSuicideIndustry #ConstructionCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #CIASP #STOPSuicide #STANDUPforSuicidePrevention

Register for Our Most Powerful Webinar Yet As part of Suicide Prevention Month, CIASP invites you to a special Constructing Change webinar featuring loss survivors—those left behind after a suicide. Their stories are honest, courageous, and a vital reminder of why prevention work matters. 🗓️ September 9th, 2025 11:00a.m. EST 💻 Virtual | Free to attend 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/eGpummsj Together, we’ll explore the impact of suicide on families, jobsites, and communities—and what each of us can do to build a culture of care and connection. Seats are limited. Make time for this. Bob VandePol  Paul Lawson  Sonya Bohmann  Terri Olson #MentalHealthMatters #CIASP #ConstructionCares #YouAreNotAlone #StopTheStigma #ZeroSuicide #SafetyMatters #DifferenceMaker #ConstructionCommunity #SuicidePrevention #ZeroSuicideIndustry #STOPSuicide #STANDUPforSuicidePrevention

It’s National Dog Day! Today we’re celebrating the four-legged friends who bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love to our lives. From jobsite to home office, the pups of CIASP are always ready to lift our spirits, remind us to take a break, and make us smile. Pets aren’t just companions—they’re part of our support system. Studies show that spending time with animals can reduce stress, improve mood, and even help us feel more connected. So here’s to the tail wags, the paw prints, and the unconditional love that make every day a little brighter. Share a photo of your own furry friend in the comments—we’d love to see them! #suicideprevention #ZeroSuicideIndustry #ConstructionCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #CIASP #STOPSuicide #STANDUPforSuicidePrevention

Please watch, share and use this tool to engage your teams. September is suicide prevention month, let’s join forces to create change in the construction industry and save lives.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher—our industry can’t afford to stay silent.” In this episode of Above & Below, we sit down with McKay Daniels, Chief Executive Officer at the National Roofing Contractors Association, to talk about the mental health challenges facing the construction workforce—and why change starts with open, honest conversation. 🎙 Episode 8: Construction’s Silent Crisis Hear McKay’s perspective, learn what’s at risk if we don’t act, and discover practical ways to foster healthier, more supportive workplaces. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/e7RDDKAb Or listen wherever you get your podcasts. McKay Daniels  #suicideprevention #ZeroSuicideIndustry #ConstructionCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #CIASP #STOPSuicide #STANDUPforSuicidePrevention

These Companies Took a Stand in July Each of the companies below took the STAND Up for Suicide Prevention pledge in July—committing to building a culture where mental health is part of the safety conversation. 👏 Join us in recognizing these leaders for making a difference in the construction community: A&B Electric Company  AIREKO ENERGY GROUP  Alloy Construction Service, Inc. American Pools & Spas  AnchorWell, LLC Babbidge Construction Company  Comfort Systems USA Shoffner  CW and Sons Infrastructure FED Design/Builders  Metropolitan Contracting Company, LLC  Milis Flatwork  Murphy Electric Nelson Electric Company, LC  ORCOM, a Division of Ortega Companies, Inc.  Pillar Exterior Construction  Power Electric Company RCCM, LLC  Reddy Electric Co.  RSVC Company  Russell Construction Company  S & S Electrical Contracting, LLC Steel Elements International, LLC  The Collage Companies  The Wakefield Corporation  Tremco CPG Inc.  Value Carpet One  Wakeland Electric, Inc. Wood Systems, Inc.  YGM Consulting  When we STAND Up together, we send a clear message: Mental health matters here. Has your company signed the pledge? 🔗 Learn more and take the pledge: https://lnkd.in/e3RsjD-C #suicideprevention #ZeroSuicideIndustry #ConstructionCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #CIASP #STOPSuicide #STANDUPforSuicidePrevention

FREE Virtual Mental Health First Aid Training – Coming This September! Learn how to recognize the signs of a mental health challenge and respond with confidence and care—just like CPR, but for mental well-being. CIASP is proud to offer another session of Adult Mental Health First Aid training this fall. Our last event filled up quickly, and this one will too. 📅 Thursday, September 25th, 2025 💻 Virtual (Zoom) ⏰ 12–5:30 PM CT (includes 2 hours of pre-work) ✅ Open to everyone—you don’t need to be a BCBSIL member to register. This training is ideal for: ✔️ Supervisors ✔️ Safety leaders ✔️ HR teams ✔️ Anyone who wants to better support coworkers, friends, or family Space is limited. Don’t wait. Register now: https://lnkd.in/e8JR5XG7 Let’s keep building a culture where support is second nature. #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthFirstAid #ConstructionCommunity #suicideprevention #CIASP #ZeroSuicideIndustry #STOPSuicide #STANDUPforSuicidePrevention

AMA August Question: “What are the biggest drivers in the industry that lead to suicide? Is there correlation with hours, commutes, short term employment, safety hazards, or even the large ecosystem of skilled trades?” Answer from Jamie Becker, LCSW-C Director, Health Promotion & CIASP Chairperson Construction is inherently fast-paced and results-driven, with projects completed under tight deadlines. That reality often leaves little room for workers to tend to their mental and emotional health. There are also specific risk factors that contribute to the disproportionately higher rates of suicide in our industry, including:         • Mentally and physically demanding work         • Chronic pain from injuries and tough physical labor         • Higher rates of substance misuse         • Unpredictable employment and financial insecurity         • Fear of judgment from peers when seeking help         • Not knowing where or how to access help         • Stigma around mental health         • Sleep disruption         • Travel that separates workers from loved ones         • Long work hours         • Access to lethal means such as firearms, high places, and prescription drugs         • Lack of paid leave This list can feel overwhelming—but it’s exactly why CIASP and our partners are committed to breaking down stigma, building supportive cultures, and ensuring workers know where to find help. Addressing these issues isn’t optional—it’s lifesaving. Have a question for our board or resident experts? Submit it here: https://lnkd.in/e7uPRx3Z Jamie Becker  #suicideprevention #ZeroSuicideIndustry #ConstructionCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #CIASP #STOPSuicide #STANDUPforSuicidePrevention

New Episode Out Now: “Finding Your Anchor” with Paul Lawson “Vulnerability in the construction industry is almost non-existent… and it needs to change.” — Paul Lawson In our latest episode of the Above & Below Podcast, Paul shares his story of hitting rock bottom—and the powerful climb back up. From career pressures to mental breakdowns, this is an unfiltered look at what it means to struggle, ask for help, and rebuild. 📅 Available now wherever you listen to podcasts 🎥 Watch this clip, then hear the full conversation Let’s keep challenging the stigma. Let’s normalize vulnerability. Paul Lawson  #suicideprevention #ZeroSuicideIndustry #ConstructionCommunity #MentalHealthMatters #CIASP #STOPSuicide #STANDUPforSuicidePrevention