COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA — Rasmussen Mechanical Services boiler technicians are assembling a team to ride across Iowa in the 50th annual RAGBRI race as part of an effort to bring awareness to mental health in the construction industry. This week-long event is a challenging cycling journey across the state of Iowa, spanning 500 hundred miles and over 16,000 feet in elevation changes.
The industrial boiler technicians will be dropping their welding torches and jumping on their bikes to raise money for the Construction Industry Alliance For Suicide Prevention (CIASP). According to the Centers for Disease Prevention, construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups. The suicide rate in the construction industry is 4 times greater than the national average.
“When you look at the statistics about mental health in our industry it is shocking. I am humbled that we have technicians working here with the drive to take on a challenge like this and I think it is a great opportunity to eliminate some of the stigma surrounding mental health in the construction industry," said Brian Rasmussen, CEO of Rasmussen Mechanical Services
Rasmussen Mechanical Services is working with their network of vendors and suppliers to collect donations for each mile the team rides.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and hopeful that each of us will be able to complete the 500 mile race," said Luke Skutnik, Boiler Service Supervisor. "It’s a good cause and with temperatures expected to be in the high 90’s the week of the race, it will definitely test our willpower”
To learn more about how to help support CIASP, visit preventconstructionsuicide.com or reach out to CIASP directly at 815/806-4908. All donations are tax deductible and help spread awareness about suicide prevention and mental health to save lives throughout the industry.