construction financial management association chicago chapter

Statistically, construction occupations exhibit both the highest rate of suicide and the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups. As such, it is an industry imperative for contractors, unions, project owners, and industry service providers to address suicide prevention in construction as a health and safety priority. 

CFMA has been deeply involved in suicide prevention since the first article on the topic, written by Cal Beyer and Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, was published in CFMA Building Profits in 2015. The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) started as a CFMA task force in 2016 and has since garnered support from contractors, unions, associations, and mental health organizations across the country. In 2018, the CIASP became a separate 501(c)(3) organization with its own governing body. 

In 2017 the Chicago Chapter partnered with AGC to host it's first regional summit on the topic of Suicide Awareness in the industry. 

In 2018, the chapter partnered with FCL Builders in support of their casino night fundraiser to benefit CIASP.  The event raised more than $140,000 in support of the Alliance. To this day, the Chicago Chapter remains committed to providing mental health and worksite safety programs and resources, and supporting the work of CIASP.

Join CFMA and the Chicago Chapter in taking the pledge to create safe cultures, provide training to identify and help those at risk, raise awareness about the suicide crisis in construction, normalize conversations around suicide and mental health, and ultimately decrease the risks associated with suicide in construction.

Visit www.preventconstructionsuicide.com for more information and resources. 

The 988 Lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org both for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

CFMA has compiled a comprehensive list of resources on Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Awareness. Learn more here.