Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is the most recent organization to partner with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Program (DDAP)’s statewide network of organizations working together to end substance use disorder (SUD) stigma in Pennsylvania and beyond.
The DDAP funded campaign is called Life Unites Us, which is a people-forward, research-driven initiative that leverages social media to share individual success stories, the stories of family members, and those of allies who advocate for those with substance use disorder. Part of the effort is dedicated to normalizing that recovery is possible, you are not alone, and support is available.
“Reducing the stigma associated with the disease of addiction is at the crux of DDAP’s work, and that work requires us to meet people where they live and work,” said DDAP Deputy Secretary, Sarah Boateng.
KCA is a membership organization with around 100 construction company partners representing general contractors, construction managers, specialty contractors, roofers, masons, and other industry professionals for one of the state’s largest sectors. The goal is to improve the industry through safety, education, and training.
With the acknowledgement that construction professionals face challenges in the workplace that have a higher propensity to lead to SUD, the industry is coming together to ensure there is access to SUD and mental health resources. “At the Keystone Contractors Association, we feel it is our responsibility to provide resources and education to construction employers to promote safer pain management, reduce stigma, equip job sites with naloxone, and foster recovery-friendly job sites—ultimately saving lives in an industry that has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic,” said Jon O’Brien, KCA Executive Director.
Two individuals from Philadelphia’s construction industry joined the announcement to share their stories of their lived experiences with active substance use and recovery. “I’ve taken my experience with substance use disorder and turned it into an opportunity to help others find their pathway to recovery by sharing my struggles, particularly during my time in the building trades,” said Randy Winder, University of Pennsylvania Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy Substance Use Navigator. “Initiatives like Life Unites Us play a huge part of reducing stigma that goes along with substance use disorder in the construction industry by creating an outlet for me and others to speak out and remind anyone who may be struggling that they’re not alone.” “I came from a place of losing everything when I was an ironworker and suffering from substance use disorder—my tools, my truck—everything,” said Brad Meck, University of Pennsylvania Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy Clinical Research Coordinator. “I’m proud today to say that I am a certified recovery specialist helping others who are coming from very similar situations as mine and the Life Unites Us campaign allows me to spread the message to others that help is available and recovery is possible.”
