CONSTRUCTION + SUICIDE PREVENTION: 10 ACTION STEPS COMPANIES CAN TAKE TO SAVE LIVES

By: Sally Spencer-Thomas

The construction industry is at heightened risk for mental health problems, substance abuse, and suicide.  These conditions can be devastating to employees and their families, and can be very costly and disruptive to workplaces.  For these reasons, a comprehensive and sustained strategy for mental health promotion and suicide prevention is needed. This guide is a call to action for all those ready to implement tactics to improve the mental health of their employees and ultimately save lives. Read More

FIRST REGIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION SUMMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

By: Cal Beyer & Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas

On April 7, 2016, CFMA’s Valley of the Sun Chapter presented the inaugural Suicide Prevention Summit, a collaboration between members of the construction industry and mental health professionals to discuss suicide prevention for the construction industry. Designed for construction industry CEOs, CFOs, HR professionals, and safety and risk managers, the event provided a wealth of knowledge and resources to more than 100 industry professionals.“National data shows that men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and Arizona’s numbers mirror this statistic,” explained Sandra McNally of EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center. “It is wonderful to see the construction industry’s concern about the issue of suicide in their field.” Read More