UNITED ASSOCIATION VETERANS IN PIPING PROGRAM
Union Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians


VIP Mental Health Resources

Mission Statement

Our mission is to equip VIPs with the skills needed for successful careers, while also prioritizing their mental health and well-being, ensuring they emerge as resilient, skilled and mentally empowered leaders in their fields.

Why VIP MAP?

The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries in the U.S. In 2016, the suicide rate for men in construction was 49.4/100,000 – that is almost twice the total suicide rate for civilian working men (16-64 years old) and approximately five times greater than the rate for all fatal work-related injuries in the construction industry.  

The VIP program provides free training in welding, HVACR or fire suppression; guarantees direct entry into the UA’s apprenticeship program and employment with a UA signatory contractor.

We once believed that we were doing everything we could to create a seamless transition from active-duty military to the civilian workforce. Unfortunately, we have lost Brothers and Sisters to suicide and have made it our mission to do everything we can to prevent it from happening again. We quickly learned that we could do more to support service members not only throughout the transition period but also by providing continued support throughout the apprenticeship program.

In 2021, the VIP Member Assistance Program (VIP MAP) was launched to provide VIP leadership, instructors and students with mental health literacy and peer support development training. Our goal is to increase confidence and competence within the VIP program in addressing suicide prevention, intervention and crisis response. VIP MAP provides our staff with the training, tools and resources to assist anyone in crisis, recognize the warning signs and risks of suicide and how to be a bridge to the resources one may need. We are not mental health professionals; however, we have learned the power of simply “listening” to those in need and the importance of providing peer support to our Brothers and Sisters. Peer support is not about having the answers to another’s problems but walking along a journey with them.

Crisis Support Resources


988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline


If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.


Visit Their Website Call Chat

If you are having trouble accessing 988 Chat and the troubleshooting tips below do not resolve the issue, crisis counselors are available to support you by phone at 988. You can also Contact Us to share the technical trouble you are experiencing so we can get things fixed.

Veterans Crisis Line




The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7, with confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.


Call (Then Press 1) Chat Text

SAMHSA’s National Help Line




SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.


Call Visit Their Website

Crisis Text Line   




The Crisis Text Line is free 24/7 support to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.


Visit Their Website Text

Disaster Distress Hotline

Contact the Disaster Distress Hotline for immediate, 24/7 crisis counseling related to disasters.


Call

Specialized Services

988 Lifeline voice, text and chat options are available in Spanish.

Chat (Spanish) Text (Spanish)

Anyone who identifies as LGBTQI+ and is under the age of 25 can access 24/7 support on 988 Crisis Chat or text.


Call (Then Press 3) Chat Text

988 offers many services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, including veterans. Videophone help can be accessed 24/7.


Videophone Info
Prevention Resources

CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training

The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) was designed to help construction workers and employers quickly find information on suicide prevention.


Visit Their Website 

This downloadable PDF summarizes a two-day workshop hosted by the CPWR that addressed the high rates of suicide and overdoses in the construction industry.


Download (PDF) 

2021 Supporting Construction Workers webinar (Discusses suicide prevention, mental health and substance abuse.)


Play Recordings Download Slides (PDF) 

Download Workshop Resources (PDF) 

Key findings from research of psychological distress and suicidal ideation among male construction workers.


Download (PDF)

Hazard Alert: Suicide Prevention in Construction. How to recognize the Warning Signs and how to Help Prevent Suicide.


Download (PDF) (English) 

Download (PDF) (Spanish)

Free Downloadable Suicide Prevention Infographics in English and Spanish.

Start a Conversation
Download (PDF) (English) Download (PDF) (Spanish)

Reach Out
Download (PDF) (English) Download (PDF) (Spanish)

Suicide Awareness
Download (PDF) (English) Download (PDF) (Spanish)

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Find online tips on how to appropriately talk to someone struggling with their mental health.

Visit Their Website

The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

The organization was created after construction was ranked as the top industry for deaths by suicide. With multiple resources on their website, their goal is for construction to one day be a zero-suicide industry.

Visit Their Website Get Help Now

Integration resources to help your company develop and begin an internal discussion on suicide prevention.

Visit Their Website

Construction + Suicide Prevention: Why Is This an Industry Imperative? is an online resource that explains why ignoring mental health can be fatal in the construction industry.
Download (PDF)

Construction + Suicide Prevention: 10 Action Steps Companies Can Take to Save Lives is a guide for those ready improve the mental health of their employees.

Download (PDF)

Toolbox Talks to take the pledge to stand up for suicide prevention.

Visit Their Website

NIOSH Suicide and Occupation

Suicide Mortality by State

Visit Their Website

Blogs about suicide, suicide prevention, substance abuse, the road to recovery and more.Read Now

Articles

American Journal of Preventive Medicine article about suicide in U.S. workplaces from 2003 - 2010.

Read Now

  • Suicide and drug-related mortality following occupational injury –
    Read Now
  • Job strain, long work hours, and suicidal ideation in US workers: a longitudinal study –
    View Journal Article
  • Suicide in U.S. Workplaces, 2003–2010 –
    View Journal Article

  • Vitalcog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace  

    Visit Their Website

    7 Cups: Free 24/7 Chat  
    Visit Their Website

    Man Therapy

    Visit Their Website

    Center for Workplace Mental Health

    Visit Their Website

    Audacy Inc.— I’m Listening

    Visit Their Website

    Give an Hour

    Visit Their Website

    Veteran Resources
    Veterans and active duty service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 by texting 838255, chatting here, or calling 988 and pressing 1. Learn more about the VCL here.

    Make the Connection
    Visit Their Website


    Veteran Affairs Mental Health Toolkit
    Visit Their Website


    Veteran Affairs Telehealth
    Visit Their Website


    SAFE Project: Veterans Wellness Program
    Visit Their Website


    SAFE Project: Virtual Veterans Recovery Meetings
    Visit Their Website


    PTSD Alliance
    Visit Their Website


    A Vets Guide to discussing STORES: Secure Storage to Reduce Suicide Risk
    Download PDF


    Treatment Works for Vets
    View Their Website


    DoD Sexual Assault Helpline
    View Their Website


    Battle Buddy Response Team
    Download PDF


    Mission 22
    View Their Website


    “PBS Video of Jose Ballejo”
    Watch The Video

    Resources to Download/Print

    Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
    View Their Website

    Download various Toolbox Talks free of charge

    National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention-A Construction Industry Blueprint: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
    Visit Their Website


    Center for Workplace Mental Health—2021 Pulse Survey Results & Report
    Download PDF



    VIP MAP Toolbox Talks


    Download PDF

    VIP MAP Toolbox Talk Facilitation Guide


    Download PDF

    988 Suicide Awareness Wallet Card
    Download PDF


    Resources to Order

    SAMSHA—988 Materials
    Visit Their Website

    Click on “988 Branded Print Materials.” There you will be able to order wallet cards, posters, magnets, stickers, etc. free of charge.

    National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health—Mental Health Resource MaterialsVisit Their Website

  • Click on Topic of Interest.
  • Each Topic offers different resources, some electronic and some hard copy orders free of charge.

  • OSHA—Suicide Prevention: 5 Things You Should Know & Role of Employers in Preventing Suicide Posters
    Visit Their Website


    Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Veteran Suicide Prevention Order Form
    Visit Their Website


    UA/MCAA 988 Branded Chips & Sticker Orders
    Visit Their Website

    Note: Users must be a UA member to purchase as it requires a username and password to access the UA store.

    Substance Use & Addiction Services

    Narcotics Anonymous

    Visit Their Website

    Alcoholics Anonymous

    Visit Their Website

    SAMSHA’s National Helpline

    Visit Their Website
    SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.


    Postvention Support

    Online Support Alliance of Hope Community Forum

    Visit Their Website

    A Managers Guide to Suicide Postvention in the Workplace



    American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Find a Support Group

    AFSP lists U.S. and international suicide bereavement support groups as a public service to loss survivors.

    Visit Their Website

    Uniting for Suicide Postvention

    Visit Their Website

    Overdose Bereavement Support

    Visit Their Website

    Grief Support for Kids

    Visit Their Website

    Videos

    UA VIP: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

    UA VIP Fort Carson Welding Instructor Jose Ballejo discusses the importance of mental health awareness and the impact of suicide prevention training.



    The following videos were produced by Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Suicide Prevention Speaker and Mental Health Trainer. They were created to provide accessible, compassionate support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Each video delivers strategies and guidance to help viewers better understand their experiences and find hope, connection and effective tools for coping and recovery.


    Tools to Cope With Depression

    This video explores the realities of depression and introduces practical tools to help viewers manage negative thoughts and take small, positive steps toward recovery.




    Anxiety and How to Face It

    Dr. Sally explains how to face anxiety by embracing your inner hero of psychological flexibility. She offers practical steps to break free from anxious thoughts, connect with your values and take positive action toward a more fulfilling life.




    Helping Kids Through Tough Times

    Learn practical strategies for parents and caring adults to support kids and teens through tough times.




    Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Safety

    This video explores the importance of emotional intelligence and psychological safety, offering tips on fostering self-awareness, healthy relationships and supportive environments where anyone can thrive.




    Dealing With Anger

    In this video, Dr. Sally explores anger as a vital emotional alarm, offering practical strategies to understand its root causes, challenge unhelpful thoughts and manage intense feelings in healthier, more constructive ways.




    Addiction Help

    Discover the brain science behind addiction, as Dr. Sally dispels common myths and offers compassionate strategies for recognizing the spectrum of addictive behaviors and supporting yourself or loved ones on the road to recovery.




    Understanding Chronic Pain

    Understand what chronic pain sufferers experience and learn practical cognitive tools to help reduce suffering and improve quality of life.




    Trauma and Recovery

    In this video, Dr. Sally explains how traumatic memories impact our minds. She also explores common coping behaviors and highlights effective treatments to support recovery and resilience after a trauma.




    Outsmarting Insomnia

    Learn about insomnia, why quality sleep is essential for good health and ways to improve your nightly rest.




    Navigating Grief and Loss

    Discover the many forms of grief and loss, why grieving is normal and how individuals can honor their loss, process emotions and find healing.




    Suicide Prevention

    Dr. Sally addresses suicide, the importance of early prevention and ways to support those in crisis.




    The Truth About Burnout

    Learn what causes burnout, key warning signs and practical strategies for individuals and organizations to address and prevent burnout.



    Construction Suicide Prevention logo

    Construction Suicide Prevention Week

    Officially Recognized Participant

    Sept 9th - 13th, 2024

    Resource Guides

    VIP MAP Toolbox Talks

    toolboxcover

    VIP MAP Toolbox Talk Facilitation Guide

    facilitation
    VIP Program Locations