Hard Hat Courage Builds Momentum Across Idaho's Construction Industry

From construction jobsites to employee wellness programs, AFSP Idaho is expanding suicide prevention education through meaningful industry partnerships.

In 2026, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Idaho Chapter made important strides in expanding suicide prevention education within the construction industry through AFSP's Hard Hat Courage initiative and Talk Saves Lives: Construction education program.

Led by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and supported by AFSP staff, the chapter is building relationships with businesses and industry leaders to bring conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and supporting one another directly into workplaces across Idaho.

Bringing Suicide Prevention to the Construction Industry

The construction industry faces one of the highest suicide rates among occupational groups, making workplace education and mental health awareness especially important.

Hard Hat Courage is a nationwide AFSP initiative focused on making mental health and suicide prevention an essential part of workplace safety. Built around the message "No One Builds Alone," the initiative provides education, practical resources, and tools to help construction professionals recognize warning signs, start conversations, and connect coworkers with support.

Through Talk Saves Lives: Construction, AFSP helps workers and industry leaders better understand suicide prevention and the role everyone can play in creating supportive workplaces.

Building Relationships That Make a Difference

Throughout 2026, AFSP Idaho's volunteer board members worked to connect with businesses interested in bringing suicide prevention education to their employees.

Early outreach included presentations with CompuNet, engaging employees in conversations about mental health, recognizing warning signs, and supporting coworkers who may be struggling.

The chapter also developed a meaningful partnership with Okland Construction, bringing suicide prevention education to more than 200 workers and industry professionals across four active Idaho jobsites. The partnership demonstrated the value of bringing these important conversations directly to the people working in the construction industry.

Read more about AFSP Idaho's partnership with Okland Construction.

Betacom Takes Suicide Prevention Beyond the Presentation

Another exciting example of this growing momentum came through AFSP Idaho's partnership with Betacom.

Idaho Chapter Board Treasurer Ryan Eden helped facilitate the opportunity to bring Talk Saves Lives: Construction to the Betacom team. AFSP staff members Emma Laney and Mackenzie Pelaez delivered the presentations, receiving positive feedback from company leadership.

But what makes this partnership particularly meaningful is what happened after the presentations.

Betacom took additional steps to ensure employees could continue accessing suicide prevention information and resources by incorporating Hard Hat Courage materials into its WellRight employee benefits platform.

The company also encouraged employees to revisit the educational sessions and engage with the resources by offering participation points through its employee wellness program.

By integrating suicide prevention into an existing employee wellness platform, Betacom demonstrated how organizations can extend the impact of a single presentation and make mental health resources more accessible throughout the year.

Creating Lasting Change Through Workplace Partnerships

These partnerships demonstrate that suicide prevention in the workplace doesn't have to look the same for every organization.

For some employers, it begins with a conversation during a safety meeting or a presentation at an active jobsite. For others, it means incorporating resources into employee training, benefits, and ongoing wellness initiatives.

Each approach creates opportunities to reduce stigma, encourage conversations about mental health, and help employees recognize when someone may need support.

And the impact doesn't stop at the workplace. When employees learn how to recognize warning signs, start conversations, and connect someone with help, those skills can make a difference in their families, friendships, and communities.

Strong Partnerships. Stronger Communities.

The growth of Hard Hat Courage in Idaho reflects the dedication of the AFSP Idaho Chapter Board of Directors, a team of passionate volunteers committed to expanding suicide prevention education, building community partnerships, and reaching more people across the state.

Through their leadership, outreach, and relationships within the community, the board continues to open doors for meaningful conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in workplaces throughout Idaho.

AFSP Idaho extends its sincere appreciation to CompuNet, Okland Construction, and Betacom for recognizing the importance of employee mental health and taking steps to bring suicide prevention education and resources to their teams.

We are also grateful to AFSP staff and presenters who supported these efforts, helping turn the chapter's outreach and partnerships into meaningful educational opportunities.

As the chapter looks ahead, these relationships provide a strong foundation for reaching additional construction companies, contractors, trade associations, and industry leaders throughout Idaho.

Together, we're helping build a culture where mental health is a priority, asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one has to struggle alone.

Help Build a Safer, Stronger Construction Industry in Idaho

AFSP Idaho welcomes opportunities to partner with construction companies, contractors, trade associations, unions, and businesses interested in bringing suicide prevention education to their employees.

Whether you're looking to host a workplace presentation, incorporate mental health resources into your employee wellness program, or explore a broader partnership, we'd love to connect.

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No One Builds Alone. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Idaho.