DANE COUNTY, WI – The construction industry has long faced one of the highest suicide rates among all professions. Recent data from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) shows encouraging declines in both suicide and drug-related death rates among construction workers. This progress is meaningful. It represents lives saved, conversations started, and a growing commitment to mental health across the industry.
But even one life lost is one too many.
There is still much work to be done. That is why the theme for Construction Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 14-18, is “Building on Progress.” The theme recognizes the strides the industry has made while challenging everyone to continue moving forward. It means breaking down barriers, strengthening pathways to support, and creating a culture where asking for help is viewed as a sign of strength — not weakness.
During Construction Suicide Prevention Week, the Board of Directors is inviting everyone to take a simple but powerful pledge: learn about at least one resource that could help someone in crisis. This could mean becoming more informed about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, understanding the services available through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or participating in a toolbox talk. Every step increases awareness and has the potential to help save a life.
The board also encourages everyone to download and share the pledge on social media to demonstrate their commitment to supporting mental health in the construction industry.
The Suicide Prevention and Harm Reduction Coalition (SPHRC) of Dane County and Safe Communities is proud to join in and participate in Construction Suicide Prevention Week. Leah Rolando, a program manager at Safe Communities, reminds us that suicide remains an urgent and growing public health crisis across the country: More than 48,000 people in the United States died by suicide in 2024.
Kara McCaffrey, a member of the local SPHRC and 2026 Chair of Construction Suicide Prevention Week, is a suicide loss survivor herself, having lost her brother to suicide in 2005. She is currently Chief Wellness Officer at her family specialty construction company in Pennsylvania and resides locally in the Madison area. She spent over a decade working in healthcare IT at Epic where she led the workgroup focused on suicide prevention from a clinical perspective. She is now striving to make a difference in the world of construction and partnering with Safe Communities and local Dane County construction companies to spread awareness, education, and resources.
“Our goal is to make sure every person goes home safely and returns to the jobsite healthy each day — both physically and mentally,” said Kara McCaffrey, “We want people to know it’s okay to ask for help and to understand the resources available to them. Supporting employees’ mental health should be just as important as protecting their physical health, and that starts with creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up and seeking support.”
Also during Construction Suicide Prevention Week, the construction industry will once again unite in a powerful moment of remembrance to honor those we’ve lost and to recommit to preventing further loss of life during a national stand-down Monday, Sept. 14 at 1:50 p.m. Central Daylight Time.
The impact of this movement continues to grow. Last year, nearly 700 organizations, reaching over 500,000 workers across the country, participated in Construction Suicide Prevention Week. Through these efforts, companies across the country are helping to normalize conversations about mental health, connect workers with critical resources and, ultimately, save lives.
