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August 31, 2026: International Overdose Awareness Day

Drug overdose is a leading cause of death in the United States and Canada, and construction workers are affected at even higher rates than average. With the widespread circulation of fentanyl, a highly lethal synthetic opioid, the crisis has worsened and families and communities across North America have been left shattered. 

Public health initiatives to reduce drug overdose deaths (such as wider spread access to naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication) appear to have promising results given the recent drop in annual overdose fatalities, which means we must keep building momentum and advocating for efforts to help save lives. The BAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) is ready to support any member or their loved ones who may be at risk for an overdose. 

Whether you are experiencing substance use challenges and need information or help, are seeking grief counseling following a loss related to an overdose, are wanting to learn more about overdose death prevention pathways and harm reduction, or would like to further discuss any other aspect of substance use, overdose, or prevention, please contact the BAC Member Assistance Program by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK, M-F, 8am-7pm ET. 

For more information, please visit the following links:

• Substance use screening
• International Overdose Awareness Day
• Overdose prevention (CDC)
• SAMHSA
• Stop overdoses (Canada)

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

This website is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.

July 2026: Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Differing cultural perspectives on mental health, barriers or limited access to care, historical trauma, and inequitable policies can all add invisible weight. Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is an important time for education and advocacy, and to reaffirm a commitment to ensuring that all construction workers are seen, heard, and understood. 

The Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) is a place to talk to someone who grasps the pressures of the job and who can provide culturally responsive support and guidance. BAC MAP will help you get connected to the resources that work for you, no matter your background or story. We encourage all BAC members and their loved ones who are seeking mental health help to get in touch by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK, M-F, 8am-7pm ET. 

To learn more about Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, please visit the following links:

• NAMI
• MHA

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

This website is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.

For Occupational Health and Safety Resources, please click here.

June 2026: Men's Health Month

Research consistently shows that men, on average, are less likely than women to seek preventive healthcare and are more likely than women to delay medical care. Given that over 90% of construction workers are male, the Bricklayers' Member Assistance Program (MAP) recognizes International Men's Health Month, and the importance of promoting men's health and reducing barriers to seeking physical and mental healthcare. Keep reading to learn more. 

Relevant Facts and Figures:

• Construction workers are more likely to engage in several behaviors that are considered high health risk (such as smoking, smokeless tobacco use, binge drinking, low leisure-time, physical activity, and inconsistent seatbelt use). 
• More than half of men do not get regular health screenings or engage in preventive care. 
• Men are more likely than women to drink excessively, and to have higher rates of alcohol related hospitalizations. 
• Men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, and to have higher rates of illicit drug related hospitalizations and overdose deaths. 
• Men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide than women. 
• Men living with a mental health condition are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women living with a mental health condition. 
• Nearly 1 in 10 men experience some form of depression or anxiety, but less than half seek treatment. 
• Men have higher mortality and morbidity rates of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. 
• Loneliness - a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidality, and self-harm - appears to be more common in men than women. 

What You Can Do:

• Address stigma and treatment avoidance (studies show that males who avoid or underutilize health care services, including mental health and substance use treatment services, may do so because there is a false perception that such services undermine masculinity). 
• Recognize signs and symptoms by getting screened (for physical health conditions and behavioral health conditions). 
• Choose a primary care doctor if you do not already have one. 
• Engage in preventive care by getting regular check-ups. 
• Manage chronic pain with a medical professional. Discuss non-opioid pain management options to treat musculoskeletal injuries and disorders with your doctor. 
• Know that help is available. Call MAP (1-833-MAP-TALK) for mental health and substance use related health matters, as well as guidance for locating a primary care doctor or medical specialist to address physical health issues. 

Additional Information/Resources:

• Men's Health Month (NAMI)
• Men's Health (CDC)
• Men's Health (Canada)
• Men's Mental Health (ADAA)

If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. You may also obtain immediate 24/7 help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. 

This website is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.