Florida Construction News staff writer
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 9 to 15 is Construction Suicide Prevention Week, highlighting a critical issue in the construction industry. The sector has a suicide rate four times the national average, driven by high stress, demanding conditions, and a culture that often discourages seeking help.
In 2020, a group of volunteers from across the construction industry collaborated to launch the inaugural Suicide Prevention Week for the industry — a week dedicated to raising awareness about the higher-than-average number of suicides in the construction industry, and to providing resources to help prevent those deaths.
The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) is working to address these challenges and foster a supportive environment for workers.
“Construction workers face significant mental health challenges that require immediate attention,” said a CIASP spokesperson. “Our mission is to transform the industry’s culture, increase mental health awareness, and provide essential resources to prevent suicides.”
Founded in 2016 by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and becoming an independent 501(c)(3) in 2018, CIASP aims to eliminate the stigma around mental health issues in construction. The organization focuses on education, resource distribution, and community engagement to create a zero-suicide industry.
Confidential help is available 24/7:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides crisis counseling via call or text. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for online chat.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor.
CIASP invites individuals and organizations to use the SPM24 resources and toolkit, pledge support for suicide prevention, and join discussions about mental health in the construction industry.
For more details, visit CIASP’s website.
