Building a Supportive Culture: How the Construction Industry is Tackling Mental Health with Kara McCaffrey

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kara McCaffrey, a construction industry rock star and chief wellness officer at Houck Group. Kara shares her journey from healthcare IT back to construction, driven by her passion for mental health and suicide prevention, especially after losing her brother to suicide.

The conversation delves into the importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry, highlighting the progress made over the years and the need to transition from awareness to actionable solutions. Kara emphasizes the significance of toolbox talks focused on mental health, training programs like Mental Health First Aid, and the role of resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and the national 988 crisis hotline.

Kara discusses her involvement with various organizations, including the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, which aim to provide resources and support for mental health in the industry. She also shares insights on how to approach conversations about mental health with colleagues, stressing the importance of showing care and understanding.

As the episode wraps up, Kara reflects on the incremental progress being made in the industry, noting that while suicide rates remain a concern, more individuals are seeking help and utilizing available resources. The hosts express their gratitude for Kara's contributions and the vital work being done to foster a supportive environment in construction.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the collective efforts to create a healthier construction industry.