The Laborers’ key to a successful mental health program is flexibility

Continuing our National Suicide Awareness Week coverage, Director of Health Promotion for the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America, Jamie Becker, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the mental health initiatives and resources LIUNA provides for members. Becker also discussed the Health and Safety Fund and how adaptability is key for their mental health program.

The Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America serves as a representation of the collaborative nature of the Laborers' work. The Fund is jointly managed by an equal number of trustees from labor and management. The Fund looks to provide everything it can for the health and safety of members and contractors. They strive to ensure every member will have a long healthy career with the Laborers.

The strength of LIUNA is how unique and flexible their work can be, but that also makes finding an answer for the safety of the entire union more difficult. Since the inception of the Fund in 1988, the focus has been on the entire body health of the members. The members' mental health has been as much of a focus as their physical health. Creating awareness and education is the primary way that LIUNA found to help members at all levels.

The national mental health plan for LIUNA starts at the national level, and then each region will roll out the plan as it fits their region. From the regional level, the Locals will then adapt the regional focuses to their needs. This adaptability has allowed each Local to become more involved and provide the safety needs their members need. The adaptability has created several different initiatives throughout LIUNA’s districts, and they’ve come up with unique ways to promote them. A partnership with Tyler Ankrum, a full-time driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, has worked to showcase and promote the many mental health programs across LIUNA’s Locals and Districts, Becker said.

For resources and more from Becker, please press play and visit https://www.lhsfna.org/.