The Insulators Membership Assistance Program (IMAP) marked a significant milestone at the 2025 Insulators International Officers Conference, held July 21-24 in Pittsburgh.
With a focus on mental health awareness and support for union members and their families, IMAP’s presence at the conference, through representatives from YouTurn Health and the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), underscored the union’s commitment to holistic well-being throughout the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers.
Elevating Mental Health Support
The mission of IMAP is clear: To ensure every Insulators Union member and their family have access to critical mental health resources.
This year’s Local Union Officers Conference highlighted the growing necessity of mental health assistance in the construction trades — a need that, if unmet, risks undermining the very foundation of union solidarity and member wellness.
“The Local Union Officers Conference provided an opportunity to reaffirm to Union Officers the availability of the IMAP program and improve the lives of all members of the International and their families,” said LMCT Senior Mechanical Insulation Specialist Jim Petrides, CEM, CEA, CTII, CIEA. “IMAP provides free, confidential support for members and their families to assist with the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief and more.”
Representatives from YouTurn Health spoke with HFIAW Local Union Officers about the mental health services offered through IMAP.
Throughout the week, the professionals from YouTurn Health engaged directly with union leadership. Julee Smith, YouTurn Health Vice President, Celia Hamilton, YouTurn Health Sr. Director of Marketing, and Bridget Kelly, YouTurn Health Vice President, led the charge by connecting with business managers and agents from across the U.S. and Canada. Their goal was to raise awareness about IMAP’s services and ensure that vital information reaches rank and file members.
“Meeting so many leaders who share a commitment to improving the mental health of union members and their families was really inspiring,” said Hamilton. “IMAP has some serious momentum to make a huge difference in people’s lives.”
For Kelly, the daughter of a union member, the work to promote mental health well-being hits close to home.
“As the daughter of a hardworking laborer, the mission of the IMAP program resonates deeply with me,” she said. “The experience — meeting Local Union Officers, hearing stories of resilience and seeing the program’s impact firsthand — has only strengthened Youturn’s commitment.”
Expanding Communication Channels
A major initiative at the conference was the push to increase subscriptions to the IMAP monthly newsletter. Smith and Hamilton successfully signed up more than 200 new subscribers, helping IMAP to reach its largest audience to date. The interest in the newsletter reflects the union’s growing appetite for mental health resources and information.
Distributed since December 2024, the monthly IMAP newsletter offers a wide range of content, including:
- Direct contact information for YouTurn Health professionals.
- Examples of available assistance and support levels.
- Updates on IMAP’s evolving program.
- General articles on mental health and wellness.
These resources are designed to be easily shared with local members, whether through union apps, regular meetings or other communication channels. By equipping local leaders with timely, relevant information, IMAP aims to foster a culture where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized.
“Since the conference, more than 15 new individuals have turned to the program for support,” said Kelly. “Together, we are building something truly powerful.”
Honest Conversations and Dynamic Presentations
YouTurn Health CEO Hamilton Baiden presents at the 2025 HFIAW Local Union Officers Conference.
While the Local Union Officer’s Conference focused on a multitude of issues and topics, some time was devoted to IMAP. YouTurn Health CEO Hamilton Baiden and Chief Clinical Officer Rich Jones delivered a powerful presentation to the assembled officers. Their session was candid and direct, emphasizing the importance of active engagement from union leadership.
Rather than simply raising awareness — something the Insulators Union has long championed — the presentation focused on actionable strategies for supporting members and families.
The discussion also explored the distinction between traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and clinical coaching.
IMAP, through its partnership with YouTurn Health, offers a proactive approach that goes beyond providing a listening ear. Clinical coaching is designed to deliver tangible support and guidance, helping members access the help they need more efficiently.
“When we all met in Pittsburgh, we all agreed on two things: Number one, we all believe we have a problem in the industry when it comes to behavioral health. Number two, we agreed that we want to do something about it,” Baiden said. “You have all proven that you care and you want to help. We were blown away by the love and support we felt at the meeting.”
He emphasized the large number of people who either called or were referred into the program following the conference.
“It just goes to show that you all mean what you say and will do anything to help your members,” Baiden added.
A downloadable PowerPoint presentation was made available to all attendees, providing local leaders with the tools to relay IMAP’s message at union meetings, apprenticeship schools or through digital platforms.
Richard Jones, YouTurn Health Chief Clinical Offer, described the Local Union Officers meeting as special.
“As a 25-year veteran of the behavioral health field, I can say, without hesitation, that the event in Pittsburgh was special,” he said. “It is rare to see that level of engagement, enthusiasm and vulnerability. For me personally, it was a hope shot, and I came away from that event fired up to continue our work together.”
Smith called the new IMAP approach game-changing.
“I had the chance to meet so many incredible people during registration, and it’s clear that leadership is actively seeking impactful solutions for the challenges members face,” she said. “By providing a new subclinical, judgment-free front door, we’re reducing barriers, building trust faster, and delivering meaningful support when it’s needed most. This approach is truly changing the game.
Smith also urged Local Union leaders to be on the lookout for new yellow poker chips and posters, which contain referral details and key information.
A Message from Leadership
Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the LMCT, expressed his gratitude to all delegates who engaged with IMAP during the conference.
“The backbone of the Insulators Union is improving the lives of our members, and that must include mental health,” he said. “These are the growing pains of delivering a program with such breadth, covering the United States and Canada. We will continue to adapt and improve to best serve members of the union.”
The Path Forward
As IMAP continues to expand its outreach, the 2025 Officers Conference stands as a testament to the union’s dedication to member well-being. With YouTurn Health now serving as the exclusive provider for IMAP, members can expect ongoing enhancements to the program and a steadfast commitment to supporting mental health in the trades.
Union leaders are encouraged to access the provided resources and share them widely within their Locals. Together, the union can ensure that every member receives the support they need — on and off the job.