The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has announced funding to strengthen mental health and suicide prevention efforts within the construction sector. Two organizations, the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, were selected through DLI’s Mental Health Support in Construction grant program.
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The grants will enable the organizations to expand outreach, provide practical resources, and implement worksite strategies to foster mental well-being and prevent suicide among construction workers. These efforts come amid increasing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by workers in high-risk and high-pressure industries.
“Prioritizing the mental health of construction workers will save lives,” said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. The initiative, funded during the 2025 legislative session, provides a total of $750,000 to qualified organizations. The grant period is set to run from February 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.
The funding will support programs ranging from on-site awareness campaigns and peer support networks to training for supervisors on recognizing and responding to signs of mental distress. Experts note that construction workers are at higher risk for depression and suicide due to long hours, physically demanding work, and job instability, making such interventions essential.
In addition to expanding access to mental health resources, the programs aim to integrate mental health strategies directly into construction sites. By fostering a culture that recognizes and addresses mental health concerns, organizers hope to reduce stigma and improve overall worker safety and productivity.
“This funding allows us to extend our reach and provide the tools and strategies needed for construction workers to thrive both on and off the job,” said a representative from the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Foundation. “The goal is to ensure every worker feels supported, valued, and equipped to handle the mental stresses of this demanding industry.”
With construction activity on the rise in Minnesota and nationwide, the grants represent a proactive step toward protecting a workforce that is often overlooked in terms of mental health support. By focusing on education, awareness, and accessible resources, the program sets a model for other states to address worker mental health and safety comprehensively.
The DLI program reflects a broader trend in occupational health initiatives that aim not only to prevent accidents but also to support overall worker well-being, including mental health, stress management, and emotional resilience.
Originally reported by Stasia DeMarco in OHS Online.
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