UA Pipe PALS
(Peer Allies for Life Success)
Eliminating the Stigma Associated with Mental Health and Addiction
If your desire is to promote suicide awareness, prevention and peer support within your local union or simply educate and arm yourself with the skills and confidence to help those in despair you are in the right spot. This webpage is a one stop shop for Mental Health and Addiction resources, UA Mental Health Training Courses, as well as a showcase for best practices from UA local unions across the United States and Canada.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
The United Association has formed a Peer Allies for Life Success (Pipe PALS) Advisory Committee to support the organization’s mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. The UA Pipe PALS mission is to build a network of peer allies and equip them with tools and resources to accomplish two primary goals: To aid in saving the lives of those who are at risk of suicide and to improve the lives of those struggling with mental health or addiction issues.
Mental Health Resources:
The Mental Health Resources are organized into these categories.
1. Crisis Support Resources, 2. Prevention Resources, 3. Veteran Resources,
4. Resources to Download/Print, 5. Resources to Order, 6. Substance Use & Addiction Services, 7. Postvention Support
To view the resources available, click the triangle icon to the left of the category name to open that section.
Please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
Visit Their Website | Call | Chat
If you are having trouble accessing 988 Chat and the troubleshooting tips below do not resolve the issue, crisis counselors are available to support you by phone at 988. You can also Contact Us to share the technical trouble you are experiencing so we can get things fixed.
Crisis Support Resources
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7, with confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Call (Then Press 1) | Chat | Text
SAMHSA’s National Help Line
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line is free 24/7 support to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.
Disaster Distress Hotline
Contact the Disaster Distress Hotline for immediate, 24/7 crisis counseling related to disasters.
Specialized Services
988 Lifeline voice, text and chat options are available in Spanish.
Chat (Spanish) Text (Spanish)
Anyone who identifies as LGBTQI+ and is under the age of 25 can access 24/7 support on 988 Crisis Chat or text.
988 offers many services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, including veterans. Videophone help can be accessed 24/7.
Prevention Resources
CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and TrainingA
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) was designed to help construction workers and employers quickly find information on suicide prevention.
This downloadable PDF summarizes a two-day workshop hosted by the CPWR that addressed the high rates of suicide and overdoses in the construction industry.
2021 Supporting Construction Workers webinar (Discusses suicide prevention, mental health and substance abuse.)
Play Recordings | Download Slides (PDF) | Download Workshop Resources (PDF)
Key findings from research of psychological distress and suicidal ideation among male construction workers.
Hazard Alert:
Suicide Prevention in Construction. How to recognize the Warning Signs and how to Help Prevent Suicide.
Download (PDF) (English) | Download (PDF) (Spanish)
Start a Conversation:
Free Downloadable Suicide Prevention Infographics in English and Spanish.
Download (PDF) (English) | Download (PDF) (Spanish)
Reach Out:
Free Downloadable Suicide Prevention Infographics in English and Spanish.
Download (PDF) (English) | Download (PDF) (Spanish)
Suicide Awareness:
Free Downloadable Suicide Prevention Infographics in English and Spanish.
Download (PDF) (English) | Download (PDF) (Spanish)
Download (PDF) (English) | Download (PDF) (Spanish)
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Help Line
Find online tips on how to appropriately talk to someone struggling with their mental health.
The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
The organization was created after construction was ranked as the top industry for deaths by suicide. With multiple resources on their website, their goal is for construction to one day be a zero-suicide industry.
Visit Their Website | Get Help Now
Integration resources to help your company develop and begin an internal discussion on suicide prevention.
Construction + Suicide Prevention: Why Is This an Industry Imperative? is an online resource that explains why ignoring mental health can be fatal in the construction industry.
Download (PDF)
Veteran Resources
Veterans Crisis Line 24/7
Veterans and active duty service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 by:
Call (Then Press 1) | Chat | Text
Make the Connection Website
Veterans and their loved ones talk about their experiences, challenges, and recovery.
Veteran Affairs Mental Health Toolkit
VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options and more—all accessible to Veterans, Veterans’ supporters and the general public.
Veteran Affairs Telehealth
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is leading the way in telehealth innovation to make sure Veterans can access care when and where they need it.
SAFE Project: Veterans Wellness Program
SAFE Project has developed programs to connect veterans, active-duty service members, and their families — all military-connected individuals — to the resources they need to address mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
SAFE Project: Virtual Veterans Recovery Meetings
Dedicated to connecting veterans, active duty service members and their families, to the resources they need to combat substance use disorder.
PTSD Alliance
PTSD Alliance is an association of advocacy and professional organizations for individuals suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
A Vets Guide to discussing STORES: Secure Storage to Reduce Suicide Risk
Veterans can be important in preventing suicide and saving fellow Veterans’ lives. These materials are for Veterans who want to help prevent Veteran suicide by discussing a plan for secure storage.
Resources to Download/Print
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Download various Toolbox Talks free of charge. Use the toolbox talks below throughout the month as a conversation starter with your team.
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention:
A Construction Industry Blueprint: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified the construction industry among the top nine occupations with the highest risk for suicide. This guide supports construction executives around the world in making suicide prevention a health and safety priority.
Center for Workplace Mental Health:
2021 Pulse Survey Results & Report
Growing mental health concerns exist in the construction industry because it ranks second highest in suicide rates among major industries. Research shows that up to 90% of people who die by suicide have a mental health condition.
UAVIP MAP Toolbox Talks:
By Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas
Growing mental health concerns exist in the construction industry because it ranks second highest in suicide rates among major industries. Research shows that up to 90% of people who die by suicide have a mental health condition.
Toolbox Talk – A Manager’s Facilitation Guide:
By Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas
“Headspace for the Workplace” Mental Health Toolbox Talk and Microlearning Culture Change Program is designed to decrease stigma, increase mental health literacy, and bolster emotional resilience for individuals and teams.
Substance Use & Addiction Services
Narcotics Anonymous Help Line
Any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live. Our message is hope and the promise is freedom.
Alcoholics Anonymous
A.A. has a simple program that works. It’s based on one alcoholic helping another.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Resources to Order
SAMSHA—988 Materials
Click on “988 Branded Print Materials.” There you will be able to order wallet cards, posters, magnets, stickers, etc. free of charge.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Mental Health Resource Materials
• Click on Topic of Interest.
• Each Topic offers different resources, some electronic and some hard copy orders free of charge.
OSHA — Publications Suicide Prevention:
Suicide Prevention in Construction:
5 Things You Should Know Poster
Download English PDF
Download Spanish PDF
Suicide Prevention:
Role of Employers in Preventing Suicides
Download English PDF
Download Spanish PDF
Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Veteran Suicide Prevention
Resources developed and distributed by the Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention can be ordered at the link below.
Postvention Support
Alliance of Hope:
Online Support Community Forum
Operating like a 24/7 support group, the community forum is supervised by a mental health professional and moderated by a trained team of loss survivors
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
Find a Support Group
AFSP lists U.S. and international suicide bereavement support groups as a public service to loss survivors.
Uniting for Suicide Postvention
AFSP lists U.S. and international suicide bereavement support groups as a public service to loss survivors.
Overdose Bereavement Support
SADOD provides resources, information, and assistance to people throughout Massachusetts who have been affected by the death of someone they care about from a substance-use-related cause.
Grief Support for Kids
Dougy Center helps kids and families who are grieving through peer support groups and sharing in a safe place.
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Members
The United Association appointed the following individuals to serve on the Pipe PALS (Peer Allies for Life Success) Advisory Committee. This team is tasked with promoting the program, elevating awareness and prioritizing the importance of mental health support in our union and on the job.
Omar Galindo
Local 78 Business Agent
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Chair
Ben Bradshaw
Local 100 Business Manager
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Co-Chair
Matt Taylor
Local 392 Training Coordinator
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Coordinator
Jason Hebbert
Local 725 JATC Coordinator
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Secretary
PJ Moss
Local 32 JATC Coordinator
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Resource Coordinator
Tim Brink
MCAA CEO
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Member
Raffi Elchemmas
MCAA Executive Director,
Safety, Health, and Risk Management
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Member
Alanna Marklund
UA Canada, Special Representative,
Youth, Diversity, and Indigenous Relations
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Member
Anthony Gallagher
Administrative Assistant to the General President
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Member
Mike Hazard
Veterans in Piping Program Manager
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Member
Jennifer Massey
UA Health, Safety, and Environmental Administrator
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Member
Nicole Jeup
UA Veterans in Piping Program Administrator
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Member
Mental Health Training
Everyone is invited to build our support structure.
2171 Introduction to Peer Support Skills and Mental Health Literacy
Students must bring a laptop.
People who have lived through depression, addiction, and suicidal despair often express that connection with peers is incredibly influential in not only bringing them back from the brink but also in giving them hope and reasons for living. Their compassion, ability to listen, and skills in bridging others to resources save lives. Peer support programs provide natural assistance for workplace mental health.
This course is designed to enhance trainers’ mental health literacy and peer support expertise with an ephasis on knowledge, skills, and confidence. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the value, fundamentals, and practices of peer support skills. By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of mental health literacy, find shared meaningful experiences with peers, express empathy through reflections, and demonstrate active listening skills. Students will also be able to assist in connecting people who are struggling to specialty professional services such as crisis counseling and addiction recovery services.
Dates and locations are listed below, to register please visit uanet.org.
January 14 – 16
(8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
LU 392 – Cincinnati, OH
April 15 – 17
(8:00 am – 5:00pm)
LU 725 – Opa-Locka, FL
September 30 – October 2
(8:00 am – 5:00pm)
LU 100 – Dallas, TX
2172 Advanced Skills in Suicide Prevention Training, Peer Support Skills, and Mental Health Literacy
Prerequisite: 2171 Introduction to Peer Support Skills and Mental Health Literacy
Students must bring a laptop.
The Advanced Skills in Peer Support Skills and Mental Health literacy is for people who have successfully completed the introductory course (2171) and have the desire to improve their abilities and knowledge to a level where they can train others in basic skills.
In both the peer skills developed and mental literacy topics covered, the material is more crisis focused than the basic listening and support skills in the Introduction course. Participants will gain some basic proficiency in motivational interviewing, crisis response planning, and lethal means safety planning. Mental health literacy topics covered include understanding emotional intensity and how to regulate it and suicide/overdose trauma and grief.
Graduates of this course will earn a VitalCog in Construction Train The Trainer certification. This 8-hour training gives participants the tools to deliver the 2-hour VitalCog training at their local union. After completing the course, trainers are able to give participants the tools to identify people at risk and respond to a crisis.
This is a 20-hour course delivered over a three-day period. Dates and locations are listed below, to register please visit uanet.org.
January 7 – 9
(8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
LU 1 – Long Island, NY
March 25 – 27
(8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
LU 392 – Cincinnati, OH
July 15 – 17
(8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
LU 725 – Opa-Locka, FL
November 18 – 20
(8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
LU 100 – Dallas, TX
VitalCog Workshop
VitalCog Workshop Course Description. VitalCog proactively addresses the early warning signs of suicide in the workplace. Just as organizations have realized they can help reduce heart disease by encouraging exercise, they can also reduce suicide by promoting mental health and encouraging early identification and intervention. This training will educate and equip participants with tools to address mental health and suicide concerns within the workplace. This 2-hour training gives participants the skills and tools to appreciate the critical need for suicide prevention while creating a forum for dialogue and critical thinking about workplace mental health challenges, and by promoting help-seeking and help-giving.
If you are interested in hosting a 2-hour VitalCog workshop at your local, fill out the VitalCog Request Form below.
Please submit VitalCog Request Form at least 30 days prior to requested training date. Once the completed VitalCog Request Form is received, a representative from Pipe PALS will contact the requestor to discuss promoting and scheduling your course. Once your course date is confirmed and no later than two weeks prior to the VitalCog training date the below VitalCog Confirmed Participants Roster will need to be completed and sent to [email protected].
UA VitalCog Request Form
We encourage all members to join in this critical endeavor. We can build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community.
Let’s support and lift up one another and pave the way toward a brighter future.
