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August 31, 2024: International Overdose Awareness Day

In 2023, drug overdose deaths again exceeded 100,000 in America - a grim milestone reached for the first time ever in 2021, largely driven by opioids (notably, fentanyl). Opioids have hit the construction industry especially hard, with research showing that construction workers are significantly more likely to die of an opioid overdose than workers in other professions. Other substances with misuse potential are culprits as well, such as alcohol and methamphetamines. Even when an overdose is survived (known as a non-fatal overdose), there may be lasting physical and psychological consequences (including brain damage, hallucinations, heart arrhythmia, respiratory distress, and seizures). 

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. At BAC MAP, recognizing Overdose Awareness Day means reaffirming our commitment to ending overdose fatalities amongst our workforce; strengthening our efforts to reduce stigma around addiction; and remembering those we have lost to an overdose. 

Information and education are key to overdose prevention. Harm reduction is an important part of risk mitigation, and becoming knowledgeable about harm reduction can save lives. The use of Naloxone, an emergency opioid antidote, is an example of a harm reduction practice. Naloxone - which is increasingly accessible without a prescription through local pharmacies and state governments - can be used to actively reverse an opioid overdose as it is happening, and thus prevent death if administered quickly enough. Some high-risk workplaces may even be legally required to carry Naloxone in the years to come (and for good reason). 

It is strongly recommended that workers, leaders, and employers alike familiarize themselves with harm reduction practices, and commit to becoming more involved with the movement to prevent overdose deaths. Whether you may be seeking grief counseling following the loss of a loved one to overdose, are experiencing substance use challenges, or would like to further discuss additional aspects of the topic at hand, please contact BAC MAP by calling 1-833-MAP-TALK.

To learn more about overdose and prevention, please visit the following links:

• International Overdose Awareness Day
• White House: Save Lives from Overdose
• Opioid Overdose (SAMHSA)
• Overdose Prevention (CDC)
• Naloxone (CDC)

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. 

July 2024: BIPOC Mental Health Month

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month is a time to raise awareness around the unique mental health concerns and needs of diverse racial and ethnic populations; including those populations who have been harmed by inequitable systems and health disparities. 

Culture, ethnicity, and race all influence how individuals and communities experience the world; including challenges they may face, their perspectives on mental health, and their access to quality mental health services. Disadvantaged and underrepresented individuals and communities may experience unique hardships that can worsen mental health, which can be further complicated by barriers that may limit their access to mental health help when needed.

The Member Assistance Program (MAP) highlights these realities to advocate for and uplift our diverse and vibrant BAC community through visibility; as well as to affirm the labor movement's longstanding vision of a more equitable, just, and inclusive world. We encourage all BAC members in need of culturally informed mental health support, referrals, and resources to contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK. 

For additional resources related to BIPOC Mental Health Month, please visit the following links:

• BIPOC Mental Health Month (MHA)
• BIPOC Mental Health (MHA)
• BIPOC Mental Health (SAMHSA)

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. 

June 2024: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may appear following a traumatic or deeply stressful event (such as exposure to death, violence, or other existential threats). It is characterized by a number of challenging, painful, limiting or unwanted emotional, behavioral, and social symptoms. Such symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, isolation, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, anger, and low mood. Even when PTSD does not develop following a traumatic event, it is important to be aware that trauma can have a deep and lasting impact on individuals and communities, and mitigation efforts should be made where and when possible. 

While PTSD can happen to anyone, some may be more likely to be exposed to precursory traumatic events than others. For instance, those who serve in the military may be more likely to experience trauma than civilians. Trauma-related distress (whether it has to do with one's occupation or otherwise), can be profoundly debilitating. 

Workers in the construction industry, including veterans, should be aware that support is available. BAC members (and their loved ones) who may have been exposed to trauma are encouraged to complete an online PTSD screening by clicking here or here. If you or a loved one have been negatively impacted by trauma, please contact BAC MAP at 1-833-MAP-TALK for further support. 

For additional PTSD related information and resources, please visit:

• PTSD Awareness Month Calendar
• PTSD (VA)
• PTSD (SAMHSA)
• PTSD (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. 

June 2024: Men's Health Month

Worker wellbeing is greatly impacted by one's health status. With over 90% of construction workers being male and given that many construction-related health issues can be addressed with education and safer practices; BAC MAP joins the U.S. and Canada in recognizing and promoting International Men's Health Month. 

Relevant Facts and Figures:

• Several health risk behaviors are more prevalent among construction workers than other professions (including 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 experiencing mental illness are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women experiencing mental illness. 
• 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 of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, addiction, suicidality, and self-harm - appears to be more common in men than women.

What to Do Now: 

• Address stigma and treatment avoidance (studies show that underutilization of health care services by males, including mental health and substance use treatment, may be related to norms around perceptions of masculinity). 
• Recognize signs and symptoms by getting screened (for physical health, mental health, and substance use conditions). Some of the leading causes of death and chronic health issues amongst males (smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and hypertension) have common risk factors, therefore screening and early intervention can be lifesaving. 
• 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 alternatives to treat muskuloskeletal disorders with your doctor. 
• Know that help is available. Call MAP (1-833-MAP-TALK) for mental health and substance use related matters, as well as guidance on locating a medical professional to address health issues. 

For additional information and resources, please visit the following links:

• Men's Health Month (Mental Health America)
• Man Therapy
• Men's Health Month (HHS)
• Men's Health Check (Canada)
• Men's Health (CDC)
• 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.