Building Trades Recovery Week

6th Annual Recovery Week

BTEA Northeast brings the unionized construction industry together to combat substance use disorder (SUD), advance suicide prevention efforts, and promote meaningful recovery and mental health resources across the union building trades community.

Recap Photos

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.

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.

By the Numbers

Construction Workers

64%

report experiencing anxiety or depression in the past year.

3X

more likely to die of an overdose than other occupations.

4X

the suicide rate as compared to the national average.

Key Information

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Assistance Programs are available to all signatory members and are designed to help employees cope with personal or work-related problems that may impact their performance, health, and well-being. We encourage you to learn more about the many resources available to our industry.
Recovery Week Resources

Photo Gallery

Take a look at captivating moments from the 5th Annual Recovery Week.
Photo Gallery

In the News

3rd Annual Martin J. Walsh Award

Thomas S. Gunning received the prestigious Martin J. Walsh Alumni Award from Gosnold in recognition of his dedication to advancing Recovery Week’s mission and his exceptional commitment to helping others, while working to break the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and mental health challenges.
Award Video

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.