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Advocating for mental health in the construction industry can feel lonely. You’re fighting stigma and trying to convince people it’s ok to talk about mental health in an industry that’s built on toughness and getting the job done. But at the fifth annual Construction Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference, that isolation disappeared. Hundreds...
As we step into 2026, Lines for Life remains committed to our mission and purpose of bringing hope to people wherever they are, at every stage of life, and in moments when it’s needed most. In the year ahead, we are excited to continue expanding our reach, strengthening our partnerships, and deepening our impact across Oregon and beyond. From crisis lines to community-based initiatives, our work is rooted in connection, compassion, and the belief everyone deserves access to support.
When David Westbrook volunteers to answer the phone on the Senior Loneliness Line, he is not doing so as Lines for Life’s Chief Operational Officer. He is simply there as a person listening, empathizing, and holding space without judgement.
Construction workers face dangers every day on the job site, but the most significant threat they encounter isn’t from heavy machinery or hazardous materials. Tragically, construction workers are six times more likely to die by suicide than from any workplace accident. This sobering reality has prompted Lines for Life to launch a new resource specifically designed for Oregon’s construction community.
Portland, Oregon. Eight of the nation’s leading general contractors have unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to improve mental health and reduce suicide rates in the construction industry. These companies—together representing over $75 billion in annual revenue—have built communities, neighborhoods, and iconic skylines across the Western United States.
In an industry known for building structures that withstand the elements, the toughest challenges are often the emotional ones. The construction industry faces a hidden crisis claiming more lives than workplace accidents ever could.
Alcohol consumption is common in celebrations, social gatherings, and even as a way to unwind after a long day. However, many people don’t realize the impact of alcohol on mental health, sleep quality, and emotional well-being.
My first career was in the restaurant industry, managing restaurants and eventually managing theaters and event venues for a large chain of Oregon brewpubs. I had to leave because I drank too much, and I was like a kid in a candy store. Eventually, I became interested in the substance use recovery field and worked as an addiction counselor and...
I’ve always been passionate about supporting people when they might feel stigmatized or isolated. When I was growing up, my family struggled with poverty. Some of them turned to substances to cope and, even though they were around, I felt alone. The first funeral I ever went to was for a coworker who died by suicide, when I was 16. He was...
The ripple effects of substance abuse and suicide are quantifiable and immense. I know firsthand how difficult it is to lose a loved one to suicide. I’m a suicide loss survivor. My father struggled with extreme mental illness and died by suicide when I was just nine years old. Ten years later, my sister died by suicide. In a lot of different...