Construction Industry Leaders Unite Around Mental Health with 988 on Hard Hats Nationwide

Hard Hat Courage Initiative Launches “A Call to Save Lives” Campaign During Mental Health Awareness Month to Destigmatize Mental Health in the Construction Industry

NEW YORK, NY — This month, Hard Hat Courage, a cross-industry initiative led by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in partnership with major construction companies, has announced the launch of a nationwide 988 sticker campaign, to raise awareness of mental health issues in the construction industry and feature the 988 resource on hard hats across the U.S.

Launched during Construction Safety Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, “A Call to Save Lives” is an initiative calling on industry leaders and safety professionals to distribute thousands of stickers on hard hats across the US to raise broader awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health challenges. It aims to make suicide prevention resources more accessible and as important as physical safety protections. To launch the campaign, four major construction companies have committed to distributing more than 30,000 stickers, ensuring the 988 Lifeline is visible on jobsites across the country.

“Mental health is just as important as physical safety,” said Trisha Calabrese, Senior Vice President of Programs at AFSP. “By placing 988 on a hard hat, companies can send a clear message to every worker that mental health is a critical part of their overall wellbeing. This campaign provides a new way of bringing suicide prevention resources to jobsites nationwide.”

According to the CDC, the construction industry maintains one of the highest suicide rates among all professions in the United States. And concern extends to the general public. In a recent Harris Poll conducted by AFSP, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, there has been a general uptick in individuals reporting they know someone who has attempted or contemplated suicide, By placing the 988 number directly onto worker gear, the initiative aims to normalize mental health outreach and resources in an environment where  is often overlooked.

Industry leaders and contractors interested in joining the movement or accessing mental health resources tailored for the construction trade can learn more at HardHatCourage.com.

About American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

About Hard Hat Courage

Hard Hat Courage was founded in partnership by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to suicide prevention, and Bechtel, a trusted global engineering, construction, and project management partner. Rooted in AFSP’s evidence-informed prevention strategies and Bechtel's decades of global experience delivering iconic projects, Hard Hat Courage was built to confront the high rates of suicide in the construction community and evolve the industry to one that prioritizes mental health alongside physical safety. Engineered to scale, the cross-industry initiative will arm companies of all sizes with construction-specific mental health and suicide prevention resources and education. Access resources and learn more about Hard Hat Courage at HardHatCourage.com.

About the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Originally reported by Hard Hat Courage.