On Oct. 28, Youturn Health, which partners with the Insulators Membership Assistance Program (IMAP), led a dedicated awareness and training session for International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers leaders at the Insulators Southwestern States Conference meeting in Tulsa, Okla.
The overarching goal of IMPA remains clear – to ensure every member has access to confidential, high-quality mental health support.
Southwestern States Conference International Vice President Leo Damaris and Southwestern States Conference President Roger Brown II invited the IMAP team to the conference’s meeting to present on mental health awareness and IMAP protocols to affiliated Local Union leadership.
Attendees included International General Secretary-Treasurer Robert W. Reap and representatives from:
- Local 21 Dallas
- Local 22 Houston
- Local 53 New Orleans
- Local 53B New Orleans
- Local 55 Mobile
- Local 64 Tulsa
- Local 87 San Antonio
- Local 94 Oklahoma City
With this event, IMAP completed its training sessions for all IAHFIAW conferences. Youturn Health Chief Clinical Officer Rich Jones and Youturn Health Vice President of Operations Julee Smith led an engaging, interactive program focused on practical tools and the real-world challenges that members face.
Since its inception, IMAP has been refined to deliver more targeted services while maintaining strict confidentiality, an essential component for building trust. Members are assured that neither union leadership nor employers will be notified when they seek help through IMAP.
“We are excited to partner with the Insulators International Union,” said Jones. “The Insulators Union is committed to being proactive and investing in its people. That’s refreshing. We need to get this message to all members of the Insulators Heat and Frost Union.”
“ I appreciated the opportunity to meet with leadership in Tulsa to better understand the challenges their Locals are facing and to share how Youturn Health can support individuals and families on their path to recovery and wellbeing,” said Smith.
General Secretary-Treasurer Reap underscored the importance of this work in his opening remarks. He emphasized that mental health, once a taboo topic in construction, must now be openly addressed to combat depression, addiction, stress and other challenges that affect members and their families.
“I am happy that our International has taken a stance to try and erase the stigma of speaking up when someone is suffering from depression, addiction, stress or any other issues that effect them in their daily lives,” he said.
“I appreciate the progress that we have begun to make partnering with Youturn,” Reap said. “As our membership feels more comfortable reaching out to Youturn for confidential assistance, we will experience more and more positive outcomes for members and their families. Assisting our membership and their families to regain confidence and return to a healthy way of thinking and living is the most valuable step toward a strong and enduring union we can make.”
The training was held as part of the conference’s educational agenda, giving leaders dedicated time to explore innovative ways to better serve their members.
Topics covered during the session included:
- Defining mental health and related challenges (suicide, addiction, depression, anxiety and stress)
- Recognizing types and warning signs of mental health and substance use disorders
- How early intervention and proper support can lead to recovery
- Using outreach materials and connecting members with professionals
- Understanding Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- IMAP newsletters, contact information and strategies to reach members
“IMAP empowers union leaders with the skills and insight to recognize and respond to the mental health challenges facing our members,” said Brown, who is also the Local 94 Business Manager. “Through Youturn Health’s expert-led training, leaders gain practical tools to break down stigmas, build trust and offer meaningful support. This program strengthens our ability to lead with compassion and protect the well-being of our union family.
With conference-level training now complete, IMAP is shifting its focus to Local Union-level, interactive sessions.
Youturn Health, through IMAP, is available to visit any Local Union to conduct sessions for members and their families.
“Our members and their families need to understand and trust the services that Youturn Health can provide,” said Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini. “We have had several Locals already conduct sessions to address the working families of our Local Unions.”