Insulators MAP is ready to assist members with their mental health

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP) and how it will help members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. He also discussed why mechanical insulation can help address many of the environmental issues around the world and then provided an update on the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (FMIA).

Suicide prevention month will begin Sept. 1, and Ielmini discussed how IMAP was created and its purpose. He referenced the July 24 conversation on AWF with Rich Jones from Youturn Health that described the IMAP and how Youturn and another company, Perspectives, are assisting union Insulators to get the assistance they need. Ielmini discussed the impact IMAP has had in bringing mental health awareness to members of the Insulators Union. While he admits it will take some time to get around the stigma of mental health conversations in the trades, he hopes the IMAP will make a difference for the Insulators Union.

According to Ielmini, proper mechanical insulation is a cost-effective and practical solution for ways to help address environmental issues, but the allure of expensive, shiny new projects often overshadow it. He said the issue with energy loss is complex, but not all solutions to fix it need to be as difficult. As more people become aware of the importance of insulation, Ielmini hopes there is a chance to collectively address environmental concerns.

Finally, Ielmini provided an update to the FMIA, also known as House Resolution-4663. He is hopeful that when the U.S. House of Representatives returns to session, they will introduce the bill as suspended. By introducing the bill this way, all debate is limited to 40 minutes and no amendments are allowed. Finally, by “suspending the rules” only two-thirds of the Representatives present and voting are needed to pass the bill, leaving Ielmini hopeful the bill could be passed before the November election.

Listen to the show above to hear more from Ielmini.