Eliminating the Stigma Around Mental Health and Addiction in the Pipe Trades
UA Pipe PALS
(Peer Allies for Life Success)
Get Help Now
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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Saving and Improving Lives
Our Mission
UA Pipe PALS (Peer Allies for Life Success) is the United Association’s initiative that promotes suicide awareness, prevention, and peer support within local unions across the United States and Canada.
This program serves as a comprehensive resource hub for mental health and addiction, providing UA members with access to critical support, best practices, and training designed specifically for construction and pipe trades.
The mission of UA Pipe PALS is to build a strong network of peer allies, equipping them with the tools and resources to accomplish two primary goals:
- Save the lives of those at risk of suicide.
- Improve the lives of those struggling with mental health or addiction issues.
What UA Pipe PALS Offers
Mental Health and Addiction Resources
A one-stop shop for crisis support, prevention resources, veteran-specific resources, downloadable materials, and substance use/addiction services.
Best Practices and Success Stories
Showcases how UA locals are leading the way in mental health support and stigma reduction.
Peer Support Training
Courses such as “Introduction to Peer Support Skills and Mental Health Literacy” and “Advanced Skills in Suicide Prevention Training” help UA members become confident, effective peer supporters.
VitalCog Workshops
Specialized training to recognize early warning signs of suicide in the workplace and promote proactive mental health conversations.
Advisory Committee
A dedicated team of UA leaders and industry experts guiding and promoting the program.
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Members
The United Association appointed the following individuals to serve on the Pipe PALS 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
Ben Bradshaw
Local 100 Business Manager
Pipe PALS Committee Co-Chair
Matt Taylor
Jason Hebbert
PJ Moss
Tim Brink
MCAA CEO
Pipe PALS Advisory Committee Member
Frank Wall
MCAA Executive Director, Operations
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
Financial Secretary of Local 669
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
Addressing Mental Health and Suicide Concerns Within the Workplace
VitalCog Workshop
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 two-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.
Instructions on How to Host a VitalCog Workshop
If you are interested in hosting a two-hour VitalCog workshop at your local, please do the following:
1. Fill out the VitalCog Request Form below at least 30 days before the requested training date.
2. After submitting a completed form, a Pipe PALS representative will contact the requestor to discuss promoting and scheduling the workshop.
3. When the workshop date is confirmed, but no later than two weeks before the training date, a VitalCog Confirmed Participants Roster must 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 us support and lift up one another and pave the way toward a brighter future.