construction financial management association chicago chapter

The suicide rate in the construction industry is about four times greater than the national rate. As such, it is an industry imperative for contractors, unions, project owners, and industry service providers to address suicide prevention in construction as a safety priority. 

The mental well-being of a company’s workforce is equally as important as their physical well-being. If anyone is struggling with mental health issues, they may ignore all efforts of protection and could be a danger to themselves and others. 

This is why 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. Since the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) started as a CFMA task force in 2016, it has 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. And, in July 2019, the CIASP hired an association management company to handle its day-to-day operations – a major step in transitioning to an independent organization.

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. In 2019, the Chicago Chapter hosted a program focused on Suicide Prevention and Resources. 

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 to Get Help, Get Informed, and Get Started. Now is the time for the industry to STAND up for suicide prevention and address it as a health and safety priority. 

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