the tough guy, “suck it up” mentality. The impact of such a culture shift is substantial. On a very practical level, management


can be trained to identify the signs of a struggling employee and approach them from a place of care and support. Management should also be trained to identify the signs of workplace substance misuse and overdose. Ensuring Narcan is available on work sites to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose is essential. Employees should be trained on admin- istering this lifesaving drug in the same way they are trained on CPR/first aid.


Providing Resources for Employees and their Families In addition, employers should offer a variety of resources for employees and their families. Tese resources should range from prevention and early inter- vention services to treatment/recovery support. Modalities of care should range from “self-guided” content driven to more traditional clinical supports. Talk about these resources frequently to make it commonplace. Mental health awareness should


transcend “Mental Health Awareness Month.” Make it easy for employees to find information. Make access to resourc- es for mental health and substance use a frictionless, “low barrier” experience. Meet your employers “where they are” in their journey. Tere is no one-size-fits- all solution for behavioral health issues. Youturn Health’s construction path-


way is a perfect example of an individu- alized, flexible, and convenient avenue of support for your people.


AGC of California to Partner on Mental Health Standdown Event


AGC of California will be launching its third campaign this May to talk about the importance of mental health for our industry. Within the construction industry there is a disproportionate rate of suicide and substance abuse disorders. It is impacting the mental health of our teams, workforce, and families. AGC of California is leading the way to provide tools and


Hamilton Baiden, CEO of Youturn Health, is keynote speaker at the May 17 Mental Health Standdown event at LAX.


resources to talk about how to support one another. The goal is to provide awareness on the issue while building a platform for our industry to speak freely, and openly while understanding there is always help and hope. Two years ago AGC of California launched its mental


health media day and gained video recognition of its efforts from former U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. Last year AGC of California was able to collaborate with Teichert Construction, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Loyalty Point Leadership to hold a successful Mental Health Stand-Down on Teichert’s San Benito Route 156 Improvement Project. This year, AGC of California together with Youturn Health, will hold a


stand-down to bring awareness of mental health education in the construction industry on May 17, 2024. The May 17 Mental Health Stand-Down and media day in partnership with Youturn Health will initiate a call to action for all AGC of California members to provide stand-downs on their respective job sites throughout the month of May for Mental Health Awareness Month. The stand-downs represent an opportunity for employers to have


conversations about mental health, which encompasses suicide prevention and substance use disorders, and offers them the opportunity to discuss safety policies, goals, and resources for their workers. AGC of California and the Safety


Richard Jones


& Health Council makes a variety of resources available to members and the industry at large to address the import- ant issue of mental health in the con- struction industry, including an updated Mental Health Stand-down toolkit to help members successfully hold their own events. The toolkit and safety manual include stand-down talking points, a checklist for a successful stand-down, partner invitation to participate, toolbox talks and more. To access the toolkit, visit www.agc-ca.org/sites/mental-health-ini- tiative/planning-your-stand-down/.


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR MAY/JUNE 2024


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