The deeper I get into my work, the harder it seems to slow my mind down, take stock, and look ahead. As Suicide Prevention Month begins, I am pausing to reflect on the progress of the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership (CSPP) and lay out the challenges and opportunities ahead.
When I joined the CSPP in 2021, the groundwork was already in place. CSPP volunteers from across the industry completed an action guide, established a brand, crafted a strategic plan, and laid the foundation to build on and advance CSPP’s mission, which is to develop and implement a unified strategy for reducing suicide and promoting mental well-being in the construction industry.
Progress Made
Over the past four years, we have conducted hundreds of outreach trainings at construction sites, safety summits, and conferences. We’ve also developed an extensive library of resources, including in-person and virtual outreach presentations, as well as printed and video toolbox talks, and launched podcasts to support workers and job sites nationwide in raising awareness about critical mental health issues.
We have worked with our partners, including the Oregon Health Authority and Lines for Life, and our members, to widen the aperture of suicide prevention by developing materials that address alcohol misuse, the devastating impact of opioids, and de-escalation techniques. We also provide free monthly virtual Question Persuade Refer (QPR)training.
Earlier this year, we established a National Construction CareLine. Available 24/7/365, The Construction CareLine provides a confidential, non-judgmental space for anyone in the construction community to connect with support.
Moving Forward Together
While we have made progress, there is more for us to do. We lose six times more construction workers to suicide than workplace accidents, and alcohol and substance misuse remain major obstacles to mental wellness in the construction community.
To sustain our effort and meet these challenges, we need to bolster our funding efforts. This summer, CSPP worked closely with Lines for Life and construction industry leaders to launch a membership program. This new model embraces CSPP’s collective spirit, sustains our current efforts, and expands our capacity to serve the construction community.
You can check out the membership model specifics here.
Anyone Can Build Hope!
As a mechanically challenged person(my wife rightfully says ‘completely inept’), the irony of directing the CSPP is not lost on me. While I cannot build IKEA furniture, I am thankful that I get to craft meaningful programs, construct new tools for tough conversations, and collaborate with people building hope. It is an unexpected privilege to see how connected, compassionate, intimidating, kind, joyful, and professional the construction community is.
Join the Effort!
When you join the CSPP, you’re investing in innovative, compassionate, and accessible services for suicide prevention, substance misuse, and treatment referral. Let’s keep building hope!
