New program aims to tackle substance use in Calgary construction industry

The City of Calgary is working with the construction industry to come up with a way to help workers suffering from addictions and mental health crises.

City officials are launching an initiative with the support of the construction industry to help workers suffering from mental health challenges and addictions.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The City of Calgary is teaming up with the Calgary Construction Association to launch Tailgate Toolkit, a new program designed to provide mental health and recovery resources directly on job sites.

The pilot program is designed to reduce the stigma associated with substance use and raise awareness of pain management, pathways to treatment and other information about mental health and substance use.

It does that through tailgate meetings, targeted training, and worker engagement.

Tailgate Toolkit was originally launched on Vancouver Island and has since expanded across B.C.

It cost $283,000 to launch the program in Calgary, which is being funded through the city’s mental health and addiction investment framework.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek and the Calgary Construction Association will kick off the program on Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.

Recent data from the province estimates 10 per cent of employees struggle with substance abuse and one in five with mental health concerns.

Half of those people work in trades and 75 per cent are men.