Celebrate 5 Years of Building Trades Recovery Week!

This year marks the 5th Anniversary of Building Trades Recovery Week, a milestone that reflects our collective commitment to addressing substance use disorder (SUD), advancing mental wellness, and fostering a culture of care within the unionized construction industry.

Over the past five years, Recovery Week has grown from a bold initiative into a powerful movement, uniting labor, management, and industry leaders to confront the challenges of SUD and mental health head-on. Together, we’ve created a platform where stories are shared, stigmas are broken, and lives are saved.

Reflecting on Our Impact

Since its inception, Recovery Week has brought thousands of construction professionals together to:

  • Learn from Experts: Engaging with medical professionals, mental health counselors, and inspiring guest speakers.
  • Build Solutions: Implementing recovery peer programs and enhancing Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to support those in need.
  • Drive Change: Encouraging industry-wide adoption of best practices for mental health and substance use recovery.

The progress we’ve made is a testament to the dedication of our supporters, including the BTEA Board of Directors, our Recovery Week Advisory Committee, and our generous sponsors. Each of you has played a vital role in making Recovery Week a beacon of hope.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

As we celebrate five years of impact, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more supportive industry for everyone. The challenges of SUD and mental health are ongoing, but with your help, we’re building a future where no one struggles alone.

Join us for this year’s Recovery Week events as we continue to grow, innovate, and inspire change. Let’s honor the progress we’ve made while recommitting to the work still ahead.

4th Annual BTEA Recovery Week

BTEA Northeast’s 4th Annual Recovery Week featured record attendance and outreach following the week-long initiative.  We remain encouraged by the change going on in the industry, most specifically recovery peers that union leaders are putting in place in the field.  We encourage you to learn more about the efforts and do a refresher on your EAP offerings through the resource links below.

Thank You to Our Supporters

This initiative would not be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, partners, and advisory board members. Your generosity, expertise, and dedication have been the foundation of Recovery Week’s success.

Together, we’re proving that when an industry unites, recovery is possible.

Let’s make this 5th year the most impactful yet!

By the Numbers

Construction Workers

15%

have a substance use disorder

83%

have had a mental health issue

229

of 100k lose their life to SUD

Resources

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) provide care options for those in recovery from substance use disorder. As part of their preventative services, they may also provide mental healthcare, financial planning and wellness services which can be accessed year round.
Recovery Week Resources

Recovery Week Advisory Board

Thank you to our distinguished Recovery Week advisors who provide their guidance, expertise and compassion as this work evolves into a year-round effort. We are pleased to present a true labor-management initiative.
Advisory Board

Photo Gallery

Take a look at captivating moments from previous Recovery Week events.
Photo Gallery

In the News

Recovery Week: Breaking Down Stigma & Creating Hope

Hope, help, and healing come through recovery. The story behind Building Trades Recovery Week, how it started in Boston, and is now spreading throughout the New England construction industry.
For Construction Pros Article

ENR Top 25 Newsmaker

Thomas S. Gunning: Powerful Personal Story of Opioid Addiction Propels Support of Narcan on Sites to Save Lives
ENR Article

Bringing Opioid Misuse Out of The Shadows

A compelling overview of the substance use disorder crisis in the union construction industry and the work being done to combat it in an effort to save lives.
ENR Article

Get Involved

Please help us confront SUD and improve overall wellness in the union-building trades.

For more information, to make a donation, or to get involved, please contact Jenn Geary.