Get the kNACk : A National Academy of Construction Podcast

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry with Cal Beyer

National Academy of Construction Season 5 Episode 16

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, host Kevin Hilton welcomes Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic), for an important conversation on mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. They discuss the severity of this issue and the urgent need for action to combat this growing epidemic. Cal discusses the initiatives he has been involved with to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote open dialogue around mental health. He reflects on how these efforts have evolved over time and the progress the industry has made in addressing mental health challenges. Additionally, Cal shares the importance of educating others about available resources and reinforces the message that true strength lies in asking for help. Cal urges all industry leaders to move upstream to consider how to reduce stigma and barriers to care relating to substance use and misuse among the industry’s workforce. 

To learn more about SAFE Project, please visit https://www.safeproject.us/

SAFE Project is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to overcoming the addiction epidemic in the United States. Established in 2017 by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld after the tragic loss of their 19- year-old son Jonathan due to an opioid overdose, SAFE Project aims to save lives impacted by substance use and mental health challenges through overdose prevention and response, education on stigma, and development of prevention and recovery programs. SAFE Project also provides tailored guidance and training within its four key initiatives: SAFE Campuses, SAFE Communities, SAFE Workplaces, and SAFE Veterans.