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.



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.



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.


Crisis Text Line

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


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

Specialized Services
988 Lifeline voice, text and chat options are available in Spanish.
Anyone who identifies as LGBTQI+ and is under the age of 25 can access 24/7 support on 988 Crisis Chat or text.



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

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.

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.

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



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

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


Free Downloadable Suicide Prevention Infographics in English and Spanish.
Start a Conversation

Reach Out


Suicide Awareness


The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Find online tips on how to appropriately talk to someone struggling with their mental health.

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.


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

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.

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.

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

NIOSH Suicide and Occupation
Suicide Mortality by State

Blogs about suicide, suicide prevention, substance abuse, the road to recovery and more.
Articles
American Journal of Preventive Medicine article about suicide in U.S. workplaces from 2003 - 2010.

Vitalcog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
Visit Website7 Cups: Free 24/7 Chat Visit Website
Man Therapy Visit Website
Center for Workplace Mental Health Visit Website
Audacy Inc.— I’m Listening View Website
Give an Hour View 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 Website
Veteran Affairs Mental Health Toolkit Visit Website
Veteran Affairs Telehealth Visit Website
SAFE Project: Veterans Wellness Program Visit Website
SAFE Project: Virtual Veterans Recovery Meetings Visit Website
PTSD Alliance Visit Website
A Vets Guide to discussing STORES: Secure Storage to Reduce Suicide Risk Download PDF
Treatment Works for Vets Visit Website
DoD Sexual Assault Helpline Visit Website
Battle Buddy Response Team Visit Website
Mission 22 Visit Website
“PBS Video of Jose Ballejo”
Resources to Download/Print
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Visit Website
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention-A Construction Industry Blueprint: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
Visit Website
Center for Workplace Mental Health—2021 Pulse Survey Results & Report
Visit Website
VIP MAP Toolbox Talks ![]() Click to Download PDF | VIP MAP Toolbox Talk Facilitation Guide ![]() Click to Download PDF |
Resources to Order
SAMSHA—988 Materials
Visit Website
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health—Mental Health Resource Materials Visit Website
OSHA—Suicide Prevention: 5 Things You Should Know & Role of Employers in Preventing Suicide Posters
Visit Website
Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Veteran Suicide Prevention Order Form
Visit Website
UA/MCAA 988 Branded Chips & Sticker Orders
Order Chips
Order Stickers
Substance Use & Addiction Services
Narcotics Anonymous
Visit Website
Alcoholics Anonymous
Visit Website
SAMSHA’s National Helpline
Visit WebsiteSAMHSA’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 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 WebsiteUniting for Suicide Postvention
Visit Website
Overdose Bereavement Support
Visit Website
Grief Support for Kids