#United States #mental health #Downers Grove #AFSP #Construction Hike

Confronting the Silent Crisis in the Construction Industry

Suicide has increasingly become a major concern in the construction sector, showing higher fatalities than job-related accidents. On June 28, 2025, an event titled the Illinois Construction Hike for Hope will take place at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve in Downers Grove, aiming to confront this pressing issue directly. This inaugural hike, organized by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), focuses on engaging construction workers, their families, and industry stakeholders in a unified effort for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Angela Cummings, Executive Director of AFSP Illinois, emphasizes the unfortunate reality: "Too many lives are lost in an industry that builds our homes, roads, and cities." The Construction Hike for Hope is designed not only to raise funds but also to diminish the stigma surrounding mental health, providing much-needed support and hope to workers and their families.

Event Details

The schedule for this impactful day includes:

• - Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
• - Time: Check-in starts at 10:00 AM; the program begins at 11:00 AM
• - Location: Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, 4255 Navistar Drive, Downers Grove, IL (entrance on the east side of Route 53 just south of Butterfield Road)
• - Registration: Free and open to the public, with no fundraising minimum required.

The occasion will feature a short ceremony, followed by a 2-mile walk through the picturesque landscape, with various resources made available by AFSP and its partners for attendees. Notable speakers will include Phil Martinez, AFSP Illinois Board Chair, who will share insights during the event.

Understanding the Crisis

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that individuals working in construction and extraction have the highest suicide rate compared to other industries in the U.S., which is four times that of the general population. Astoundingly, more construction workers die by suicide than from all workplace injuries combined, highlighting a grave public health concern.

The challenging working environment, characterized by long hours and physically taxing labor, often leaves workers distanced from vital support networks, compounded by a workplace culture that discourages discussions around mental health. The Illinois Construction Hike for Hope is an endeavor aimed at disrupting this persistent silence surrounding mental health issues.

Cummings highlights the power of community support, stating, “By coming together in community, we're not just raising funds—we're raising awareness and helping shift the culture.” The hike honors not just those who have tragically lost their lives but those who continue to grapple with mental health struggles.

About AFSP

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention plays a pivotal role in advocating against suicide and supporting individuals impacted by it. Their mission encompasses creating a more informed culture regarding mental health through educational programs, advocacy initiatives, and support avenues for affected individuals. Contributions to AFSP directly support crucial efforts aimed at drastically reducing the national suicide rate.

For more information regarding the Illinois chapter and the upcoming Construction Hike for Hope, visit AFSP Illinois.

Support Resources

• - Suicide Prevention Resources
• - Identifying Suicide Warning Signs
• - Media Reporting on Suicide Prevention

In conclusion, the Illinois Construction Hike for Hope represents a collective step towards addressing and tackling the alarming suicide crisis in the construction industry, enhancing awareness, and promoting a supportive community for those in need.