Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12 proudly hosted the NYC Building Trades Member Assistance Program (MAP) “Train the Trainer” sessions.
From Oct. 22–24, union leaders and industry advocates came together and committed to improving mental health awareness in the construction industry.
The initiative is a collaborative effort of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, its affiliated Local Unions, union Member Assistance Program directors and the Worker Institute at Cornell ILR. Together, they are working to reduce suicide and address the growing impact of stress, addiction and mental health challenges within the unionized construction workforce.
At the heart of the program is a peer-to-peer model that recognizes a simple truth: construction workers are often most comfortable opening up to someone who understands their job, their pressures and their culture.
The “Train the Trainer” sessions prepare experienced union leaders and MAP professionals to go back to their Locals and train rank-and-file Peer Supporters.
These Peer Supporters are not clinicians, but they are a critical first line of support. They are trained to:
- Offer a confidential, non-judgmental listening ear
- Recognize warning signs of mental health and substance use issues
- Assess potential suicide risk and respond appropriately
- Connect coworkers to MAP Directors, counseling services, and other resources
By equipping Peer Supporters with practical tools and clear protocols, the program helps ensure that no member has to struggle alone. Local 12’s role as host underscores the Insulators’ ongoing commitment to mental health, safety and solidarity on and off the jobsite.
As more union members are trained to recognize distress and guide coworkers toward help, the NYC Building Trades MAP “Train the Trainer” model is building a stronger, more resilient support network, one conversation at a time.