IUOE Local 825 MAP began with one man’s mental health journey

As Construction Suicide Prevention Week enters its second day, Chris Lalevee, Business Agent at the International Union of Operation Engineers Local 825 and coordinator of the IUOE Local 825 Member Assistance Program (MAP) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss some of the events focused on suicide prevention in the trades. He also shared his story, and talked about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as well as other resources available to union members.

Lalevee was featured in the first webinar for Construction Suicide Prevention Week on Friday, Sept. 6. The webinar, Navigating the Opioid Crisis: A Workplace Perspective, looked at how opioid drugs contribute to the high rate of suicide in the construction industry. Lalevee also talked about the link between the construction industry and prescription drug misuse.

A survivor of three suicide attempts, Lalevee shared his struggles with mental health. He talked about the stress and anxiety his work with Local 825 caused and why he turned to alcohol as his drug of choice. After beginning the path to recovery, he talked about the difficulty turning his life around and why that led him to start the MAP at Local 825.

Since the inception of the IUOE Local 825 MAP, over 150 members have been assisted through the peer-support program. Lalevee talked about the difference between having a peer help someone during a crisis and a counselor listening to someone's struggles. He also discussed the resources available to members beyond the MAP program, including the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The 24/7 hotline, which is celebrating its second anniversary this year, is available to anyone in crisis or living with thoughts of suicide by calling or texting 988. 

Please listen to the show above to hear more about Lalevee's work providing resources to union members struggling with mental health.