An association representing construction finance professionals has formed a new group to address the problem of suicide within the construction industry.

The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention was created by the Construction Financial Management Association in September to fight social stigmas surrounding mental health issues and help business members address the problem. The association recently announced that several industry trade groups had joined the campaign, including Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, and Construction Industry CPAs and Consultants, according to the industry news site Builder Online.

"The larger conversation around suicide prevention in the construction industry has taken a tremendous leap forward with the formation of CFMA's Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention," said Mark McCallum, CEO of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, the first group to join CFMA in the alliance.

Construction is one of the top three industries at risk for suicide among its workforce, according to research cited by CFMA. The alliance offers companies information from suicide prevention experts and plans to host a series of events on the topic.

"The organizations mentioned represent a significant portion of the construction industry, but given this initiative is less than a month old we are confident that a number of other construction industry associations will soon join the alliance," CFMA CEO Stuart Binstock said. http://bit.ly/2dHvzxG

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