Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to continue our coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month. Bohmann discussed the proper ways to discuss mental health resources available to leaders and workers.
Bohmann, a loss survivor, was named Executive Director of CIASP on May 1, 2023. Her experience in the commercial construction industry gave her the knowledge needed to be able to discuss sensitive topics like mental health and suicide. She discussed the importance of the discussion and the proper way to discuss mental health in the construction industry. Bohmann said that while it’s essential to have the talks in May during Mental Health Awareness Month, continuing this message year-round is more important.
Many great resources are available to educate union members about the importance of mental health care. She discussed their work with labor organizations like LIUNA and the Laborers Health and Safety Fund. She explained several of the available tools, like a needs analysis where decision-makers can see if they have gaps in their organization's mental health care coverage.
Within the construction industry, there are several stigmas surrounding mental health and workers being able to communicate their issues. CIASP has created toolbox talks and a screening program that can provide a safe space for workers to talk about their mental health. Bohmann talked about the current toolbox talk programs and how organizations can implement them into their weekly or monthly operations. She also explained what the Mindwise Screening can do for workers and how it allows them to find out if they should seek assistance anonymously.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Bohmann. Then find more information and tools on CIASP’s website.
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