A Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson
As I reported at the General Membership meeting on August 14th, the NYC Building & Construction Trades Council in conjunction with Cornell University has developed a curriculum in order to train 1,000 Peer Counselors. These will be building trades union members who work in the field, and their goal is to help members who are struggling with mental health issues and may even be contemplating suicide. We, like all the trades, have members who are struggling with issues. Some may be obvious to those around them, but maybe they are unable to talk about them or confront them by asking for help. Some may be less obvious, as they carry their issues inside. Stress, abuse, addiction, divorce, all of these affect a person's ability to function, and for some people, a sense of hopelessness can take them down a dark path.
The stigma of not wanting to be singled out or identified as someone who is "messed up" compounds these problems. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to ask the simple question: “How are you doing?” That may be enough for them to open up. Letting them know that we can help them get through anything may be all they need, knowing that someone cares enough to guide them to the professionals and that they don’t have to go through it alone. As a peer counselor, you could literally save a life and prevent the heartache a family would feel if someone committed suicide. I’m asking you to consider becoming a peer counselor. The program is just rolling out. If you are interested, contact the Construction Desk at (718) 591-4000 ext. 440 and leave your name and info.
We also have our industry Members Assistance Program that’s been in place at the Joint Industry Board. If you or someone you know is suffering, please reach out. We can get you the support you or they may need. You matter to us and to your family, so make the call.
