Mental Health Resources

This course is offered through AGC of America. 
AGCA collaborated with industry leaders and mental health professionals to develop an educational program to equip supervisors with the knowledge and skills to identify and support struggling workers, care for themselves, and become a catalyst for change within their organizations. This online, self-paced, five-module course is free for AGC members and $49 per person for non-members. 
Module 1: Introduction to Mental Health & Suicide Prevention in Construction 
This module will shed light on the current state of mental health, substance use, and suicide in the industry, why workers are at risk, and how supervisors are uniquely positioned to create a culture of awareness and support. 
Module 2: Building a Psychologically Safe Work Culture 
This module will explore how fostering an open, supportive work culture can improve mental well-being, teamwork, and overall job performance. Learn how to create an environment where workers feel safe to speak up, seek help, and support one another without fear of judgment. 
Module 3: Identifying & Approaching Employees in Need 
Recognizing when someone is struggling can be the first step in saving a life. This module will equip you with the skills to identify signs of mental distress and confidently approach employees who may need support. Learn how to start the conversation, offer help, and connect them with resources—because looking out for each other is just as important as the work we do. 
Module 4: Leadership & Employee Engagement 
Empathetic and compassionate leadership is essential to a mentally healthy and resilient workforce. This module will explore how leaders can foster a culture of openness, support, and promote proactive mental health strategies to reduce the risk of suicide. Learn practical ways to lead by example, encourage honest conversations, and create a workplace where every worker feels valued and supported. 
Module 5: The Role of Human Resources in Mental Health & Suicide Prevention 
Human Resources (HR) plays a critical role in shaping a work culture that prioritizes mental health and suicide prevention. This module will explore how HR can review/implement policies, provide resources, and foster an environment where employees feel safe seeking support. Learn practical strategies to break the stigma, promote well-being, and create a stronger, healthier workforce. 

This course is free for AGC members and $49 for non-members. Click here to access.

Protect What’s Under the Hard Hat

BuildWell Health is a division of YouTurn Health. AGC of America has partnered with YouTurn, and the Oregon-Columbia Chapter has partnered with BuildWell Health. What this means for our members: Chapter members receive the national discount in addition to the chapter discount.

BuildWell Health (and YouTurn) is a confidential, virtual program to help your employees and their families with stress management, depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide.

BuildWell Health (and YouTurn) offer these services:
– Online Learning
– Peer Coaching Support Phone Line
– Family Support

To enroll: Scan the QR code on the flyer.The registration code is “AGCoc” or call 844-968-8876 and mention that you are an Oregon-Columbia Chapter AGC member.

If you company is 20 employees or less, the chapter has a pilot program for you to participate in. Contact Viktoria Schulz.

BuildWell Health flyer in English.

BuildWell Health flyer in Spanish. 

The AGC of America Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force has developed and curated multiple resources and tools to support the continued work needed to address the overwhelming statistics of suicide and substance use disorder in our industry. 

• • Employer Best Practices Guide for Mental-Health Intervention in Construction
  • Sample written safety program
  • PDF Toolbox talks
  • PSA video series
  • HOPE coins, hard hat stickers, banners, and “Let’s Talk” conversation card sets.
  • Network of professionals in the industry collaborating on preventative action
    – Forums
    – Task force and Ambassadors
  • AGC of America Mental Health & Suicide Prevention website
  • ConstructorCast: Contractors Care: An Industry of Support This episode features the co-chairs of AGCA’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force—Mandi Kime of AGC of Washington and Brandon Anderson of AGC of Missouri—on how they are leading the fight for an industry in crisis.

• The Construction Working Minds program is an evidence-informed model that uses strategic partnerships and capacity-building in the workplace to leverage and sustain significant change for positive mental health and resiliency.
• Center for Construction Research and Training: CPWR, The Center for Construction Research and Training, is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the construction industry. Check out the Suicide Prevention in Construction Hazard Alert.
• Forefront Suicide Prevention Center and the Washington State Construction Industry Suicide Prevention work group have provided a free 60-minute suicide prevention training. Click here for the training.
• Get Construction Talking

The National Safety Council has collaborated with an independent research institution, NORC at the University of Chicago, to create a tool demonstrating the cost of employee mental health and illness for employers. This cost calculator is an authoritative, easy-to-use tool providing business leaders with specific information about the cost of mental health (including depression, anxiety, and general mental distress) in their workplace based on the size of employee base, industry, and state.

• • NSC Mental Health calculator

The National Safety Council has collaborated with an independent research institution, NORC at the University of Chicago, to update “The Real Cost of Substance Use to Employers” tool, originally developed in 2017 with national nonprofit Shatterproof. This cost calculator is an authoritative, easy-to-use tool providing business leaders with specific information about the cost of substance use (including prescription drug use and misuse, alcohol use and misuse, opioid and heroin addiction, as well as use of other illicit drugs and cannabis) in their workplace based on size of employee base, industry and state. 

• • NSC Substance Use calculator