IMAP News July 2025
Insulators Member Assistance Program Update
Insulators Advance Mental Well-Being Initiatives
The Insulators Membership Assistance Program (IMAP) continues to progress and advocate for mental health initiatives to support the well-being of members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers.
Recently, IMAP’s professional experts at Youturn provided separate awareness and training sessions to labor leaders from the Insulators Central States Conference and Insulators Local 17 in Chicago. The ultimate goal is to provide mental health programs and assistance services to each rank-and-file member in a confidential manner.
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
Fostering Mental Health Awareness: Supporting BIPOC Employees in the Workplace
In today’s diverse workplaces, it is crucial for employers to prioritize the mental health needs of their employees, particularly those from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. By promoting mental health awareness and implementing supportive measures, employers can create an inclusive environment that supports the wellbeing of all employees.
Empowering BIPOC Veterans with PTSD: A Guide to Accessing Support
Veterans, particularly those from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) backgrounds, often face unique challenges when dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Recognizing the specific needs of BIPOC veterans and ensuring they have access to appropriate support is crucial for their wellbeing.
Read this guide for BIPOC veterans with PTSD, which outlines strategies and resources available to help them navigate and access the support they deserve.
Treating PTSD and Processing Stuck Memories
Over the course of their lives, about 6% of Americans will experience Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD), and as many as 29% of military veterans experience symptoms of PTSD during their lives.
PTSD occurs when either you or a loved one is exposed to a life-threatening, traumatic situation. “You define whether it was life-threatening,” explains Richard Jones, Chief Clinical Officer at Youturn Health. “Your perception of the event is what’s important. If you perceive that you’re in danger, if you perceive that your loved one is threatened.” This traumatic situation could be a one-time event or it could be something that happens over and over again.
Substance Use Disorders in Military Veterans — Problems Associated with Access to Care
The military stigma associated with seeking treatment for substance misuse or mental illness begins during time on active-duty service. Zero-tolerance policies combined with mandatory random drug testing creates fear of negatively affecting an individual’s career and potentially facing retribution through being discharged under other than honorable conditions.
IMAP Wallet Card
Black Men Meditate
According to Black Health Matters, “Depression among Black men is an oft-unspoken pain that deeply affects the health and quality of life of Black people. In fact, the most current review of evidence on Black men and depression suggests a prevalence of five percent to 10 percent. This figure may be much larger, as depression is commonly underdiagnosed. Even more, the failure to adequately address the roots of Black male depression is undermining our communities and keeping us blind to the deep harm of historical and structural racism.
Dejr Bostick is on a mission to reduce stigma and encourage black men to take care of their mental health through an organization he founded called Black Men Meditate, which provide a safe space for men of color facing stress, anxiety, systemic racism, and societal biases.
Veterans Suffering with PTS Get a Helping Hand from This Dynamic Duo
Tom and Jenn Satterly are all about helping veterans and their families. Tom is a retired CSM Delta Force and Jen Satterly was previously embedded in Realistic Training Missions with Special Operations units as Director of Film and Photography.
When their relationship began, Tom was not in a good place mentally, but could not figure out what was causing his anger and excessive drinking. He finally had a therapist explain to him that he was suffering from PTS and needed to deal with it. From that point on, things slowly began to change and as he began to help others, he truly found his calling.
Their mission is to help Veterans returning home but more importantly to support the family. They know that helping family members is a huge piece of the puzzle.