In September 2025, to honor National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, IECRM partnered with David Galvan, a certified Mental Health First Aid trainer with Mental Health First Aid Colorado (MHFACO), to lead a powerful Safety Forum for members and students. With over 15 years of experience in suicide prevention and whole-person wellness, David brought energy, empathy, and practical tools directly applicable to the job site. David has personally trained over 2,000 individuals in Mental Health First Aid (for Youth, Teens, and Adults). He has spoken to more than 30,000 students and community members across Colorado and the U.S.. He regularly facilitates trainings for schools, businesses, and faith communities, tailoring sessions to the workplace culture and team needs.
Key Takeaways:
- David compared mental health to an electrical wire: when damaged, the flow of energy is disrupted—just as life stressors disrupt personal resilience. Repairing the “wire” is essential to restoring strength and safety.
- 988 saves lives and offers guidance from trained professionals who provide support and perspective in moments of crisis. Companies are encouraged to post 988 stickers in restrooms, job site porta-potties, or other private areas where employees can see them. You can access free materials from 988colorado.com/en/resources#toolkit and access free resources and statistics at 988colorado.com.
- Mental health is an essential part of workplace safety. Incorporating mental health conversations into safety talks and fostering an open, supportive environment benefits the entire team.
- If you suspect someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, ask directly—questions like “Sometimes when people go through what you’re going through, they think about suicide. Are you thinking about killing yourself?” A direct question can open the door to conversation and support. Listening without judgment is critical.
- Some companies have found value in bringing Mental Health First Aid training in-house, providing employees with access to resources and strategies that enhance both personal and team resilience. To learn more or to schedule a training/presentation with David, please book a time to connect at https://calendly.com/galvan-davidj or email him directly at [email protected].
Industry Impact:
Participants shared real stories of calling 988 and breaking stigma around mental health, highlighting the importance of awareness, access, and workplace support. With mental health challenges impacting workers across construction, integrating these conversations into safety planning is vital.
As David reminded us: “In order to work well, we have to be well.”
For more information on Mental Health First Aid training opportunities through IECRM and MHFACO, contact [email protected].
