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The Oregon-Columbia chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and IBEW Local 48 recently co-hosted a summit in an urgent call to action for labor, management and community partners to unite in confronting the growing mental health crisis affecting the construction industry.
Held Oct. 13 at the IBEW Local 48 hall in Portland, the daylong Regional Emergency Mental Health Summit brought together experts, advocates and frontline leaders from across the region to share resources, foster open dialogue and strengthen collective strategies for mental health awareness, suicide prevention and access to care.
The summit underscored a shared commitment by NECA and IBEW to prioritize the well-being of every worker. Together, both organizations are leveraging national partnerships such as the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership, Construction Working Minds and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to ensure individuals and families in the trades have access to life-saving support.
“This summit is about building a culture of care in our industry,” said Todd Mustard, Oregon-Columbia NECA chapter manager. “By coming together, we’re equipping our community to respond in times of crisis and reinforcing that no one faces mental health challenges alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength.”
Garth Bachman, business manager for IBEW Local 48, noted that mental health is a safety issue just like any other on the jobsite.
“We’re determined to ensure our members have the tools and support they need to thrive both at work and at home,” he said.
During the summit, attendees participated in evidence-based trainings and discussions. One, the “VitalCog Training,” equipped them with tools to identify and respond to mental health challenges in the workplace. The session “Train, Mobilize, Deploy” focused on proactive support systems within union environments.
An afternoon keynote, “Caring for Others on a Deeper Level” by leadership coach Josh Rizzo, highlighted practical ways leaders can foster compassion and psychological safety in their organizations.
NECA’s Oregon-Columbia chapter represents electrical contractors across Oregon and Southwest Washington. IBEW Local 48 has served the region’s electrical workers for more than a century, advocating for safe working conditions, fair wages, and community well-being through education and solidarity.
