NEW YORK — Turner Construction Company has launched its largest-ever suicide prevention and mental health initiative, reaching more than 100,000 people across 1,000 jobsites and offices during Construction Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 8–12, 2025). The effort underscores Turner’s $5 million commitment, in partnership with the Turner Foundation, to strengthen mental health and wellbeing resources across the construction industry.
The coordinated campaign comes at a time when the construction sector continues to grapple with a suicide rate nearly four times higher than the national average. More workers are lost each year to suicide than to jobsite accidents, a sobering reality that Turner is determined to confront head-on.
Turner leaders said the company’s focus goes beyond awareness—it is about connection, access to resources, and a culture of caring. “Respect, dignity, and active caring are the foundation of our culture,” said Peter Davoren, Chairman and CEO of Turner Construction Company. “At Turner, people come first, and the worker is always more important than the work. We want every person on our jobsites to know they are valued and that support is available. It is our responsibility to look out for one another and ensure no one feels they are facing life’s challenges alone.”
As part of this wide-reaching effort, Turner has rolled out several new programs and strengthened existing ones to better support its workforce:
Turner introduced Lyra Health as a no-cost benefit for employees and their families, offering confidential counseling, coaching, therapy, stress management tools, and 24/7 crisis care. The program is designed to make reaching out for help a sign of strength.
Mental health toolbox talks, suicide prevention training, and dedicated awareness sessions are being integrated into daily jobsite safety routines. More than 100,000 workers will hear consistent messages of encouragement and learn how to access resources.
Turner continues its leadership role in the Hard Hat Courage coalition with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and works with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention to expand resources and training that address industry-specific challenges.
Turner calls its approach a “culture of active caring”—a workplace where colleagues check in with one another, listen without judgment, and ensure help is always within reach. This culture is being reinforced not only through training but also through Turner’s five-year, $5 million pledge to expand mental health resources for employees and contractors alike.
By integrating mental health into its broader safety culture, Turner is sending a clear message: wellbeing is just as critical as physical safety on the jobsite.
Industry observers note that Turner’s initiative reflects a growing movement across construction to destigmatize mental health struggles and to provide concrete tools for prevention. The company’s scale and visibility may encourage other builders to follow suit.
As Suicide Awareness Month continues, Turner’s efforts stand out as a blueprint for how large-scale construction firms can leverage their influence to save lives and shift industry culture toward greater compassion and resilience.
Originally reported by Turner Construction.
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