In the construction industry, there is a need for tradesmen and tradeswomen to prioritize their mental health well-being.
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 34, St. Paul, Minn., is one Local up to the challenge of making this “Taboo Topic” a primary area of awareness.
Under the leadership of Business Manager Al Byers, all Local 34 apprentices gathered for a unique experience through the Insulators Membership Assistance Program (IMAP) to learn about mental health and social substance issues – topics they had never previously explored.
IMAP’s professional expert, Hamilton Baiden, CEO of YouTurn Health, spearheaded an eye-opening experience, as he addressed many mental and social issues the apprentices needed to hear.
Insulator Apprentices are constantly engaged and taught the complex skills required to be leaders in the mechanical insulation industry. Still, there must be an avenue to discuss the soft skills needed to perform the expected duties of a union craft professional.
“During Construction Suicide Prevention week, we are reminded that safety is more than PPE and training, it’s also about taking care of each other,” said Sam Schultz, Midwest States Conference International Vice President. “Together, we’re building stronger jobsites and stronger support systems.”
Baiden’s unique and captivating presentation style engaged the 100-plus apprentices, covering such topics as
- Mental health awareness
- Substance use in the trades
- How to recognize behavioral warning signs
- Importance of safety – physical and emotional
- Building a culture to be more vigorous advocates for members and families
“At Local 34, we recognize that our members and their families sometimes face struggles that aren’t always visible on the jobsite – mental health challenges, substance use concerns or personal crises that can feel isolating,” said Byers. “Having access to YouTurn Health gives our members a confidential, judgment-free resource to turn to when they need support the most.”
The IMAP program is undertaking a monumental task: Servicing the mental well-being needs of the rank and file members of an entire International Union. It utilizes Local Union leadership to engage members, raise awareness and connect them with professional assistance when needed. Officers have received specialized and focused training to deliver the message that is required to enhance the clear thinking construction workers need to be productive and safe.
“Programs like IMAP not only help our members in moments of personal hardship, they also strengthen our union as a whole – because when our members are healthy and supported, our entire workforce and their families thrive,” said Byers. “This is about showing that our commitment to each other goes beyond the work we do with our hands; it extends to caring for each other as people.”
IMAP and the Insulators Union are committed to offering these classes to inform the membership of the available resources, even if it is done locally, one Local Union at a time.
“We’re grateful to the LMCT for helping bring this resource to our members, and we look forward to building on this effort together,” Byers added.