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Building a Supportive Culture: How the Construction Industry is Tackling Mental Health with Kara McCaffrey Building PA Podcast
In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O’Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kara McCaffrey, a prominent figure in the construction industry and a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Kara, who is the Chief Wellness Officer and part owner of Houck Group, shares her journey from healthcare IT back to construction, driven by her commitment to addressing mental health issues within the industry.
The conversation begins with Jon and Chris acknowledging Kara’s impressive background, including her recognition as a past winner of the KCA Top Young Leader Award in 2024. They highlight her significant contributions to mental health awareness, particularly in the construction sector, which has historically struggled with these issues.
Kara discusses her personal motivation for her work, stemming from the loss of her brother to suicide 20 years ago. She emphasizes the importance of making mental health a priority in construction, a field where the “powering through” mentality often prevails. The hosts and Kara explore the progress made in recent years regarding mental health discussions in the industry, noting that while awareness has increased, there is still much work to be done in moving towards actionable solutions.
The episode delves into practical steps that construction companies can take to support mental health, such as implementing toolbox talks focused on mental wellness, providing access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and utilizing free resources available through organizations like the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CISP). Kara shares specific training programs, including VITALCOG training, which equips individuals with the skills to recognize and address mental health concerns among their peers.
As the discussion progresses, Kara addresses the challenges of measuring the impact of these initiatives, acknowledging that while suicide rates have been rising, the true effectiveness of awareness and prevention efforts may take time to reflect in the data. She shares encouraging anecdotes from her own company, where increased promotion of EAP services has led to more employees seeking help.
The episode concludes with a sense of hope and determination, as Kara expresses her gratitude for the collaborative efforts within the industry to tackle mental health issues. Jon and Chris echo her sentiments, thanking her for her insights and the vital work she is doing to foster a culture of support and openness in construction.
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the resources mentioned throughout the episode and to continue the conversation around mental health in their own workplaces. The Building PA Podcast remains committed to being a platform for these important discussions, highlighting the need for ongoing support and action in the construction industry.
In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O’Brien and Chris Martin dive into the critical topic of connected construction workflows with special guest Joe Hasson from Empower […]
