September is National Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of an important crisis that claims more than 700,000 lives each year. But one profession in particular has the highest suicide rates. Construction workers—men in particular—are committing suicide at a rate that's 75% higher than the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's a number that sadly continues to climb.

AGC encourages its members to browse the wealth of information available through the AGC Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force so they can make the most of National Suicide Prevention Month: Employer Best Practices Guide, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program, Toolbox Talks, PSA Video Series, Coins/Stickers/Posters/Banners, etc.

During September, AGC is collaborating with Youturn Health to bring members the following live webinars, on-demand training course, and toolbox talk on this very important topic:

• September 26, 2pm – 3pm Eastern: After a Crisis: Employee Support and Recovery
• On-demand in September: Suicide Prevention Training Course
• Toolbox Talk: Suicide Prevention – English | Suicide Prevention – Spanish
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As an industry that is particularly aware of the risk of suicide among our workforce, we also recognize others that are at greater risk than the general population. Our veterans are another group that is at high risk. DCA Past President, Brian DiSabatino, has been a leader in raising the issue of veteran mental health for years. This year, through the leadership of Mary Sheldon, DCA is joining with the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce to field a team of walkers, joggers and runners for the 2024 Vet Fest 5K. Our team’s name is DCA/NCCC/Building New Castle County. If you would like to participate with our team or contribute, please use this link.