OPINION: New Mexico’s construction industry leads on mental health and suicide prevention

As world suicide prevention day in September and World Mental Health Day in October approach, New Mexico’s construction industry reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing worker well-being.

At Associated General Contractors New Mexico, we believe that worker well-being means more than physical safety. Mental health and suicide prevention are safety priorities — and employers are stepping up.

That’s why AGC New Mexico has taken the lead in creating and organizing the state’s only construction-focused Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Summit. Following the success of last year’s event, we are proud to announce that our second annual summit will take place on September 11.

This year’s summit will include two nationally renowned keynote speakers, regional training providers and mental health specialists. Participants will receive training and resources to help supervisors, employers and employees identify distress symptoms, assist colleagues with difficulties and create environments where asking for assistance is acceptable.

Experience has shown us that these discussions have an impact. AGC New Mexico has provided QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training to more than 30 industry personnel after last year’s summit, and this year, we will be announcing another exciting new training partnership with Santa Fe Community College.

Our message from contractors and industry partners is simple: Mental health is jobsite safety. From national general contractors to small local firms, New Mexico’s construction employers are committed to protecting the total well-being of their workforce.

We encourage all construction leaders to join us on September 11th and be part of this effort. Together, we can build not just buildings — but a stronger, healthier industry for all.

For more information about the summit or AGC New Mexico’s mental health initiatives, visit www.agc-nm.org or contact our office directly.