SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On May 28, leaders from the construction industry, government, and Sacramento International Airport came together for AGC of California’s Mental Health Media Day, an event aimed at elevating mental health as a core pillar of jobsite safety and worker well-being.
Hosted on the site of the airport’s future Terminal B parking garage and pedestrian bridge, nearly 100 construction workers paused their efforts on the jobsite and shifted their attention to mental health. The event featured remarks from local dignitaries, construction leaders, and mental health advocates, who spoke candidly about the mental health challenges facing the construction industry and the benefits of addressing those challenges head-on.
“Your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). “When we care for ourselves and for one another, we build a stronger, safer, more resilient industry, and society.”
“As a County, we take our behavioral health responsibilities seriously,” said Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez. “But it’s not just about services and hotlines. It’s about bringing mental health into the everyday, into partnerships, jobsite practices, and conversations like this.”
AGC of California members across the state have held safety stand-downs focused on mental health throughout May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. The stand-downs are an opportunity for employers to have conversations not just about mental health, but also resources available and the value each company has for their employees and workers.
“At Balfour Beatty, we often talk about building with purpose,” said Kyle Frandsen, Vice President of Balfour Beatty. “And while we’re proud of the structures we leave behind, it’s the impact on people that truly defines our work. That’s why today matters. Because behind every hardhat is a human story.”
Sharing more about the real-world impacts of mental health on the jobsite was Stephen Dummit, President of Tradewinds Leadership, a professional training and development firm. A former electrical contractor turned coach and facilitator, Dummit reinforced the need to make mental health and resilience as essential as physical safety, highlighting on-the-job tools for those in attendance.
“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but this movement can’t stop in June,” said Allison Otto, CEO of Otto Construction. “This is a year-round commitment. So, let’s use today as a spark to build a future where mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical safety.”
Mental Health Media Day is part of AGC of California’s ongoing initiative to help the construction industry create supportive work environments by providing tools, training, and access to mental health resources. By spotlighting these resources during Mental Health Awareness Month, the association aims to engage its members and their employees in critical conversations that impact safety.
“Taking care of our teams goes far beyond hard hats and safety harnesses,” said Peter Tateishi, CEO of AGC of California. “It’s about ensuring every person feels supported, valued, and equipped to do their best work.”
AGC of California’s Mental Health Initiative continues to engage contractors and jobsite leaders in proactive efforts to build a culture of care. Resources and tools are available at https://www.agc-ca.org/sites/mental-health-initiative/.
