Forming UA290 ARC

In 2015 the Local 290 Training Center experienced the tragic suicide death of an apprentice. In 2016 another apprentice died by suicide and it became apparent that there was an immediate need for engaged prevention, intervention and resources. The Local 290 Wellness Program began offering the suicide prevention gatekeeper training called QPR - Question, Persuade, Refer - a simple and straightforward training model that is designed to teach everyday people how to save lives by recognizing warning signs of a suicide crisis and how question, persuade and refer someone to help. Later in 2016, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published research showing that the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates in the US when compared to other industries.

In early 2019 the Local 290 Wellness Program hosted a series of QPR Suicide Prevention trainings for apprentices. Following the overwhelming interest of many apprentices who wanted to get more involved, the UA290 Apprentice Resource Community (ARC) was formed. In late 2019, a group of 9 dedicated apprentices started by applying for and being awarded an Oregon OSHA grant to design and implement a peer-to-peer support program at UA Local 290 Training Center. As soon as the grant funds were released in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was upon us. We scrambled to find our footing in an ever evolving pandemic and became more resolved than ever to develop a strong peer-to-peer support program. By 2021, we had trained nine Local 290 apprentices as peer support leaders and QPR Suicide Prevention Training instructors.

Who is UA290 ARC?

Though UA290 ARC started as a peer-to-peer support program for apprentices, it has grown and apprentices have turned out. Today UA290 ARC is a peer-to-peer support program for all UA Local 290 members - apprentices, journeymen and retirees.

UA290 ARC Goals

Building internal infrastructure for U.A. Local 290 to be well equipped to respond to mental health crisis, suicide intervention and resource navigation through education, training and culture change.