Suicide Awareness & Mental Health w/ Heather Strong Gutierrez

Construction has some of the highest rates of suicide and substance use in the country. Yet many workers still feel pressure to stay silent.In this episode, Heather Strong Gutierrez, Director of Safety at JHL Constructors, talks about turning pain into purpose after losing her son to a fentanyl overdose. She explains why safety must include mental and emotional health, not just physical hazards.The group explores:Why stigma remains a major barrierHow strong relationships on job sites create trustWays supervisors can step in earlyHow easy access to resources increases the chance someone reaches outWhy caring for people also strengthens performance and retentionThis is a real conversation about what it takes to build a culture where people are supported before a crisis happens.If you lead people in construction, this episode is required listening.