OECS Session: Mental Health in the Workplace

Description

Sept 8-12, 2025 is Construction Suicide Prevention Week and the BIA has partnered with OECS to host a FREE event on Mental Health in the Workplace.

On Wednesday, Sept. 10, please join us in raising awareness around mental health and suicide prevention – bring your entire team to learn more!

This session will cover understanding workplace mental health challenges, recognizing signs in ourselves and others, taking action to support those affected, and focuses on the construction industry.

Presenter: Brian Lauwers, CHST

About construction suicide prevention week:

Together we can save lives.

In 2019, a mission-driven group of volunteers from across the construction industry came together with the goal of saving lives. They 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.

Every year, during September — National Suicide Prevention Month — the construction industry dedicates a week to raising awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it. Together, we can save lives.

While the factors that lead to suicide are complex, research shows that loneliness and stress could put someone at a greater risk for suicidal behavior. Engagement is just one way in which people can form a community, and this year’s Construction Suicide Prevention Week theme focuses on just that. Together we can save lives.

During Construction Suicide Prevention Week 2025, we’re encouraging everyone in the industry to build a community by checking in with colleagues, friends, family or even the guy or gal next to you in line at the store. Reach out and ask how someone is doing, then really listen to the answer. Let them know you care and that they have a community to lean on when times are tough.

Think about ways you want people to show up for you, then be that person to those around you.

We welcome members and nonmembers to join us for this FREE event and take the step forward to create a community of trust and understanding! The local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will also have a booth with free resources for all members and community employers.