The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs announced the Keystone Contractors Association is joining the statewide network of organizations working to end substance use disorder stigma through a DDAP-funded campaign called Life Unites Us.
Life Unites Us is the Administration’s people-forward, research-driven initiative that uses social media to spread stories of individuals in recovery, their family members, and allies who support those with SUD. It is designed to reinforce and normalize that recovery is not only possible but supported by individuals, businesses, and organizations across the state.
“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.
Representing one of Pennsylvania’s largest employment sectors, KCA is a membership organization of about 100 construction companies including general contractors, construction managers, specialty contractors, roofers, masons, and others with a dedication to improving the construction industry by focusing on safety, education, and training.
Construction professionals experience unique workplace challenges that increase the need to have access to SUD and mental health resources. A study by the Centers for Disease Control showed that construction workers prescribed opioids for pain had a higher risk for long‐term opioid use and for developing opioid use disorder (OUD); annually, 15 percent of workers who were prescribed opioids became long‐term users; and, long-term users were nearly 10 times as likely to develop OUD.
“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.
Joining DDAP to make this announcement were two individuals in recovery who worked in Philadelphia’s construction industry during their times of active substance use. Now in recovery, both are sharing their lived experiences to help others by participating in Life Unites Us through social media testimonials as well as working full time in the SUD field.
“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.”
