Suicide is personal, but it is also a public health issue that affects workplaces, communities, and families. The construction industry experiences one of the highest rates of suicide and you can play a role in providing support. By improving a worker’s understanding of mental health and suicide prevention, they can be a key partner in the effort to prevent suicides by recognizing and connecting with individuals at risk for and displaying suicide warning signs.

The VitalCog in Construction program trains employees at all levels of a construction organization to appreciate the critical need for suicide prevention while creating an opportunity for open conversations and resources in the industry. Our vision is to cultivate a construction community of workers who aspire to eliminate the devastating impact of suicide.

Strategy and Approach

  • Build a network of individuals to provide guidance on suicide prevention and intervention
  • Provide evidence-based and relevant training to raise awareness and to increase capacity, confidence, and competence in suicide prevention, mental health support, and resiliency
  • Promote a culture to aspire to a “zero-suicide” mindset through safe and effective communication and engagement

Goals

  • Reduce stigma and raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention
  • Promote open dialogue around mental health wellness
  • Encourage help-seeking and help-giving behaviors

60-minute to 2-hour VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in Construction Training

In this training, participants will engage with videos, in group discussions, and in practice sessions to raise awareness and create a better understanding of their role in suicide prevention.

Design: Why Construction?

Discuss prevalence and reasons why it is important to have conversations within the construction industry

Bid: Identify Risk and Signs

Discuss risk factors and warning signs as they pertain to the construction industry through the Joiner Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Build: Conversations around Suicide

Discuss the value (and necessity) in having direct conversations about suicide

VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in Construction is an evidence-based program that is effective at increasing participants’ knowledge about suicide, confidence in identifying risk factors, and comfort talking to others about suicide.

VitalCog in Construction Peer-Reviewed Paper - Changes Immediately After the Training
VitalCog in Construction Peer-Reviewed Paper - Changes 3 Months After the Training

Train-the-Trainer Certification Program

In this full day training, participants will learn the skills, tools, and knowledge to facilitate the training within their own organization. This training is designed for those who have an interest, commitment, and capacity to provide the 60-minute to 2-hour suicide prevention training in the construction industry.

The training includes opportunity to learn more about the statistics and facts on suicide along with the impact on individuals, families, communities, and workplaces. Participants will be able to practice facilitation and learn from other trainers on best practices in delivering the program.

To schedule, please contact Alex Yannacone at Alexandra.yannacone@cuanschutz.edu.