KeeleyLife: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
According to the CDC, the construction industry ranks as the #1 industry for deaths by suicide. With this rate sitting at four times greater than the national average, we know that at Keeley, we have to do everything we can to help end the stigma surrounding mental health and provide our people and their families with the resources they need to live their happiest and healthiest lives. September was Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month so KeeleyLife, #KeeleyCares, KeeleySafe, and KeeleyU came together to emphasize the importance of our mental health and well-being.
KeeleyLife: Mental Health Resources
KeeleyLife is focused on all aspects of health and wellness, but mental health is more important than ever. Learn more about how we put mental health at the forefront and strive to provide valuable resources to all who need them.
September Health Hack | In our latest episode of Health Hacks, our Health & Wellness Coach, Melissa Swank, was joined by #KeeleyCares Advocate, Lauren Griffin, and Program Director of CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, Colleen Pace. These three passionate and incredible women sat down to discuss and bring awareness around suicide prevention and the warning signs of depression. Click here to watch the video!
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Keeley Companies is proud to provide robust benefits to our team members and their families, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Our EAP provides 24/7 confidential counselors free of charge. Some issues addressed by the EAP and these counselors include: stress management, emotional issues, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, elder care resources, relationship and family problems, chemical dependency, eating disorders, domestic violence, job stress, career frustration, child care needs, grief or loss, work/life issues, and legal guidance.
988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline | In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing coade to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention lifeline. Moving to a three-digit code is a once in a lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. The current lifeline number will still be available (1.800.273.8255) after the launch of 988.
The KeeleyLife Podcast | KeeleyLife’s mission is to sustain a culture of health and well-being for all Keeley’ns and their families. KeeleyLife is focused on four, well-rounded pillars, HEAL: Health (Mental Wellness), Eating (Nutritional Habits), Activity (Physical Fitness), and Learning (Financial Education). Each month on our podcast, we focus on a different pillar and hear from Keeley’ns and their subject matter experts. We hope you enjoy and use these resources to become a better you! Click here to listen.
KeeleyU: Education Opportunities
KeeleyU is proud to provide educational opportunities for Keeley’ns to learn more about mental health and suicide prevention. Two impactful classes were offered during the month.
Signs of Suicide and Training Trusted Adults | This training educated parents and community members about the signs and symptoms of adolescent depression and suicide. Participants are now better able to recognize, utilize ACT, and respond confidently and empathetically to youth concerned about themselves or someone they know. This program included and built upon the information provided in the SOS student programs implemented in over 180 schools in the St. Louis metro area.
Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Peer Pressure | Bullying and peer pressure have taken new forms in the age of technology but are no less harmful to our youth. This presentation explored the trends we are seeing among young people and high-risk groups. We also gave participants tools for navigating situations and conversations with the youth in their lives as it relates to bullying and peer pressure. Participants learned how to define bullying and peer pressure, how to be a trusted adult in those situations, and identify local and national resources related to bullying and peer pressure.
#KeeleyCares: CHADS Coalition
One of our newest members of the Wall of Compassion, CHADS Coalition, was instrumental in providing our Keeley’ns with education and resources throughout the month. They even took the time to visit jobsites to educate our craftspeople on the importance of prioritizing their mental health, using their voice, and checking on each other.
CHADS Coalition is an organization that offers programs to advance the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. Aside from providing adolescents and young adults ages 25 and under with counseling services and educational programs, CHADS serves parents, educators, and community members with resources, presentations, and more to provide a holistic and proactive approach to mental illness and bullying. Learn more about CHADS Coalition here!
KeeleySafe: Our Safety Culture
Our world-class culture, KeeleySafe, is dedicated to make sure every Keeley’n makes it home safe at the end of the day and is empowered to call out unsafe acts. This does not just include physical safety, and we want our Keeley’ns to know that we are here for them every step of the way.
Safety Shout Out | In this episode of Safety Shout Outs, Keeley Construction’s VP of Safety, Rob Miller, took the time to show gratitude for our Keeley’ns for taking care of each other’s physical safety and mental well-being. Click here to watch!
MY WHY | We all have a reason we choose to be safe. Whether that is our families, friends, pets, or anything else that motivates us – we all have a WHY. It is important that we remember our WHY each and every day. This is why we have MY WHY badges and MY WHY boards to proudly display the reaons we all have to stay safe every day.