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The Construction Owners Summit (CO Summit) demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing mental health awareness and support within the construction industry by making the improvement of workforce well-being a central part of its mission.
In 2025, the Summit was held at leading universities and regional venues, providing a platform for industry networking, professional education, and advocacy to address mental health challenges.
One of the Summit’s key initiatives is the allocation of a portion of event proceeds to Hearts Under the Hard Hats, which then directs funds to the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). This partnership aims to deliver tangible mental health resources and suicide prevention support to workers and companies across the industry.
CIASP was created in response to research findings and direct data from the CDC showing that construction professionals face a higher risk of suicide than nearly any other occupational group. The organization provides companies and workers with practical resources, training, implementation guides, and helpline information, supporting the development of workplace cultures that treat suicide prevention and mental wellness as core safety priorities.
Recent studies highlight the importance of this work, with over 64% of survey respondents in the construction industry reporting significant anxiety or depression, a substantial increase from previous years. In addition, a quarter of workers have contemplated suicide, and many feel uncomfortable discussing their mental health at work due to fear of stigma or discrimination.
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The construction sector continues to have a suicide rate that is more than four times the U.S. average, driven by factors such as physical job hazards, chronic pain, economic instability, and high-pressure environments that discourage open dialogue about wellness and mental health needs.
CIASP addresses these challenges by providing the industry with evidence-based resource kits, mental health training for leaders, model policies, and peer support tools.
The organization’s efforts include awareness campaigns such as National Construction Suicide Prevention Week and partnerships with local and national stakeholders to promote early intervention and cultural change. When CO Summit delegates and sponsors support CIASP through event proceeds, they help expand access to training, resource distribution, and helpline operations, ultimately promoting healthier and safer jobsites.
The partnership achieves measurable outcomes, reducing fatalities, improving retention, lowering costs associated with absenteeism and lost productivity, and creating stronger support networks throughout construction workplaces.
By building mental health and suicide prevention into event programming and supporting organizations like CIASP, the Construction Owners Summit exemplifies leadership in both professional development and workforce advocacy, helping shape a more resilient and caring industry for everyone involved.
