September 5-9, 2022: Michigan Construction Suicide Prevention Week

WHEREAS, death by suicide is a leading cause of death among working-age adults in the U.S., especially in the construction industry; and,

WHEREAS, workers in construction face unique challenges that lead to a higher-than-average number of suicides in the industry, affecting their coworkers, loved ones, and communities; and,

WHEREAS, the construction and extraction occupation had the highest suicide rate among all occupations in Michigan, at a rate of 75.4 per 100,000 people according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Environmental Health Surveillance section; and,

WHEREAS, raising awareness about suicide risk factors and the resources that exist can help save lives within the construction industry; and,

WHEREAS, having conversations about mental health with coworkers can be difficult, but everyone can help prevent suicide by knowing the warning signs, reaching out to a colleague if you’re concerned about them, and staying with them and getting help if they are in crisis; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan fully supports an open dialogue on mental health and suicide in the construction industry in an effort to raise awareness and help those who may struggle to talk about it and ask for help; and,

WHEREAS, a host of suicide prevention resources are available to help all of us work together to help save lives in the construction industry; and,

WHEREAS, I encourage all employers in Michigan’s construction industry to invest in the mental health and wellness of their employees by promoting suicide prevention dialogue, training, and resources; and,

WHEREAS, Construction Suicide Prevention Week falls in line with National Suicide Prevention Week which falls on September 4-10, 2022;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 5-9, 2022, as Michigan Construction Suicide Prevention Week.