Cleveland, OH — Cleveland Construction, Inc. participates in Construction Suicide Prevention Week from September 9-13, 2024. This annual campaign is part of a nationwide effort to combat the mental health crisis within the construction industry, which continues to experience some of the highest suicide rates of any occupation in the United States.
In 2020, a mission-driven group of volunteers from the construction industry formed the Construction Suicide Prevention organization. Their goal was simple but vital: to save lives. This collective launched the inaugural Construction Suicide Prevention Week, dedicated to raising awareness about the disproportionately high number of suicides in the industry and providing essential resources to help prevent these tragedies.
Every September—during National Suicide Prevention Month—the construction industry dedicates a week to addressing the unique challenges faced by construction workers that contribute to this alarming issue. By providing information, tools, and support, the campaign aims to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles and encourage open conversations in the workplace.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the urgency of this issue. Suicide rates in construction are nearly double those of the general population, with 53 suicides per 100,000 workers compared to 27 per 100,000 in the general population. In the U.S., an estimated 123 suicides occur every day, or one death every 12 minutes.
Throughout the week, Cleveland Construction will engage its craft professionals and trade partners with resources to reduce the stigma of seeking help. This initiative aligns with the company’s core values of Thoroughness, Respect, Accountability, and Communication, ensuring all team members' safety of both body and mind.
Key resources will be highlighted during the week, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK) and the newly established 988 helpline, which provides immediate access to trained mental health counselors. Cleveland Construction will also share strategies for identifying warning signs, promoting mental well-being, and fostering open communication on job sites.
More information at https://constructionsuicideprevention.com