About C A S P R
Why our Industry needs this approach?
CPWR, the North Amercian Buidiling Trade Unions' research arm, data reveal that the US construction industry loses over 5000 workers to suicide each year. This equates to 1 worker every 2 hours…365 days a year. With 1 suicide impacting ~135 people, it became clear this industry needed a new approach that went beyond suicide prevention and intervention programs. After taking 8 suicide death calls in 12 weeks, during Q3-2024, leaders in the STL construction industry moved from awareness to action! The CASPR Project has set out to address two unmet needs:
1) addressing loss survivors within the First 48 hours after a suicide death; and
2) connecting the 3 legs of the Suicide Triangle: Prevention / Intervention / Postvention
in an attempt to reduce the number of white- and blue-collar suicides in our industry.
This will require support from the top-down and bottom-up: labor, management, and owners.
--Content Warnings--
Issues related to Mental Health, Substance Misuse, and Suicide are addressed in this site.
The information provided is for general education purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
If you are in crisis, contact the toll-free National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline @
Dial 988 or Text "HELP" to 988
(CASPR is a project operated under the 21-14 Concussion Awareness Foundation,
a dba of the Dr John S Gaal Scholarship Fund - a 501(c)(3); EIN: 26-2693980.
Please visit www.2114CAF.org for more information.)
Educational Resources
In order to solve a problem, one must become familiar with the environment. The section below will provide a variety of articles and podcasts related to the
troubling trinity: Mental Health,
Substance Misuse, and Suicide Crisis.
Helping Resources
One thing for sure, is that these issues/challenges/problems did not arise overnight...
nor will they be resolved overnight.
Therefore, a new approach is required. As builders,
we must move from fixers to supportive peers.
Educational Resources
Podcasts
Postvention Is Prevention: Dr. John Gaal’s Mission After Tragedy
Establishing Suicide Postvention in the STL Construction Industry
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/st-louis-on-the-air/id279357633?i=1000784674353
Peer Support & Postvention
https://share.google/wGSLboeh3iySJk6Z0
From Personal Loss to Public Advocacy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBiKtAHrk9E
Postvention is Prevention
https://open.spotify.com/episode/69WRojGJhS5UT3OZyHUHt2
After the Unthinkable
Above & Below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G9_tBjLcl8
Prevention to Postvention
https://prevented.org/podcasts/prevention-to-postvention/
Inside the Mind of a Worker Wellness Advocate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPoCZZdTmeg
Take Care of Your People
https://prevented.org/podcasts/take-care-of-your-people/
When the Hits Don't Heal
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_36oMhll9X4
Football: Kids, Parents, and CTE
Articles
Acute Suicide Postvention in the US Construction Industry: Addressing the 48 Hours Following a Suicide
https://constructforstl.org/john-gaal-suicide-postvention-construction-research/
Postvention in the Construction Industry
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/suicide-postvention-construction-mental-health-support/830505
Leading the Way: Suicide Postvention in the STL Construction Industry
The Journey: From Tragedy to Triumph
https://suicideresearch.info/2026/01/30/the-journey-from-tragedy-to-triumph/
Triumph from Tragedy: A Story of Loss and Growth
https://mycnr.com/guest-column/triumph-from-tragedy-a-story-of-loss-growth/
TAPS: Postvention Immediately After a Suicide Death / Emotional Support
Peer Support in the Construction Industry
https://constructforstl.org/gaal-studies-peer-support-mental-health/
Apprentices' Mental Health & Well-being
https://constructforstl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Work-Life-Balance_JGAAL_033021.pdf
Requiring Mental Health Training in Construction
https://constructforstl.org/study-makes-case-for-mental-health-training-in-apprentice-rule-updates/
Preventing Workplace Harassment & Physical Violence
In St. Louis, unions join forces to tackle ‘shocking’ rates of suicide for workers
https://share.google/gkjBObzU5WLENOCLw
Preventing Suicide and Promoting Mental Health in Construction Workers
Opioid Crisis in the Workforce
https://constructforstl.org/opioid-crisis-and-the-workforce-a-firsthand-perspective/
Construction's Guidelines for Opioid & Substance Misuse
Addressing the Opioid Crisis through Language and Collaboration
Why Carry Naloxone?
St. Louis Couple Pushes for Narcan on Flights
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) in Construction
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2016/brain-injuries-construction.html
Healing Invisible Injuries in the Construction Industry
https://constructforstl.org/healing-invisible-injuries-in-the-construction-industry/
Causes & Consequences of TBIs
https://www.hardhatstohelmets.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TBI-CTE_BeneMag_110121-1.pdf
NFL & CTE: Where's OSHA?
DCN's Civil Quarterly: Voices of the Industry
https://www.hardhatstohelmets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DODGE-Civil-Quarterly_JGaal_0223.pdf
Work-Life Balance & Well-being of Construction Apprentices
Making the Case for Requiring Mental Health Training in Construction
https://constructforstl.org/study-makes-case-for-mental-health-training-in-apprentice-rule-updates/
Making Mental Health a Priority
Helping Resources
STL Building Trades Wellness Coalition
LEAN-STL
https://www.stllaborers.com/lean-stl
CIASP Safe Messaging Guide
https://irp.cdn-website.com/2e2e706c/files/uploaded/CIASP-Safe+Messaging_v2-4.pdf
PreventEd
United Way - GSTL
https://helpingpeople.org/labor-partnerships/
Missouri Works Initiative
https://moworksinitiative.org/worker-wellness-program/
MO Suicide Prevention Network
Hard Hat Courage
WashU & CPWR: COMPASS
TAPS: Loss Support
Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace
Construction Mental Health Alliance
https://www.constructionwellness.org/
Stronger than Silence: MH in Construction
Related Trainings
Please review the available programs and reach out via the "Contact Us" section below with your inquiry. (Delivery is mainly in-person but can be arranged virtually upon request.) Thank you!
Part 1: Stabilization
(Active)
This general awareness training consists of two 60-min sessions that address the First 48 hours after a suicide incident in the construction workplace. It lays the groundwork for an organization to better prepare for unexpected losses within its ranks.
Part 2: Grief Work & Trauma
(TBA)
This is a 2-hour session available to those who have completed part 1 and are interested in taking a deeper dive beyond awareness. It looks beyond the acute phase in part 1. Suggested audience: If you serve on the front-line and may be willing/capable to assist those impacted by a suicide loss.
Part 3: Post-traumatic Growth & Peer Support
(TBA)
This is a 2-hour session available to those who have completed parts 1 & 2 and are interested in continuing this journey. By providing tools to assist in delivering peer support to those impacted by a suicide loss, we can collectively seek ways to grow by safely sharing lessons learned.
Events
Sept 29, 2026: Talk Saves Lives - Construction (HHC-MO)
https://tsl-construction-mo.attendease.com/
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August 26, 2026: ESSSB21 Symposium
IAS Conference: Rethinking Workplace Suicide Prevention
Vilnius, Lithuania
August 19, 2026: Addressing Suicide Postvention in the Workplace
August 17, 2026: Why Postvention Matters
Grand Glaize Library
1010 Meramec Station Rd. 63021
2:30p CT
August 13, 2026: Connecting a Stronger Chain
Postvention in Workplaces - Panel Discussion
Springfield, MO
August 10, 2026: The Suicide Triangle
https://www.stlbtwellness.org/event-details/training-suicide-triangle
May 21, 2026: Addressing Postvention at a State Level
AAS Conference
St. Louis, MO
Donate Now
Donations
$50.00
By providing funds, CASPR can continue to undergo R&D efforts to further advance and assist in the declne of suicides in the construction industry.
Together, we can make a difference!
PLEASE note that we will receive 100% of your donation--in any amount--if you send in a personal or business check made payable to the following:
CASPR
c/o 21-14 CAF
Attn: T Rhodenbaugh, Treasurer
2211 S Grand - #102
St. Louis, MO 63104
NOTE:
21-14 Concussion Awareness Foundation (21-14 CAF) is a dba under
Dr John S Gaal Scholarship Fund a 501(c)(3); EIN: 26-2693980
"Arrogance is the byproduct of ignorance and pride."
Dr John S Gaal