ARTICLE
Just as you dial 911 for emergencies, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is updating its number to "988" for mental health emergencies. The new dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States by July 16. When people call or text 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis even after the 988 is launched nationally. Unfortunately, our industry continues to have more suicides than any other industry and one of the highest rates of suicide. The rate of suicide in the construction industry is nearly four times that of the general population. For more information and resource links regarding suicide prevention, see below in the "Suicide Prevention Month" section of this newsletter.