At the LIUNA Leadership Conference this August, the Fund proudly announced the upcoming launch of its LEAN LIUNA program – an initiative designed to provide vital peer support for LIUNA members and their families facing substance use and mental health challenges. Rooted in the belief that LIUNA is a family that looks out for its own, this program will offer essential guidance, connect members with lifesaving resources and pave the way to recovery for those facing a broad range of adversity.
LEAN LIUNA, which stands for Laborers Escaping Adversity Now, builds on the successes of earlier programs in Massachusetts and St. Louis, where similar initiatives have already made a significant impact. The Massachusetts Laborers’ Health and Welfare Fund (MLBF) was the first to implement a LEAN (Laborers Escaping Addiction Now) program in 2018, focusing initially on addressing the opioid crisis by providing comprehensive addiction treatment and peer support. Similarly, the St. Louis Laborers’ Health & Welfare Fund began a pilot program to help members facing addiction, which has since expanded to include full-time peer support specialists who assist members with a wide range of behavioral health issues.
During the Leadership Conference, the Fund’s Executive Director, Lisa M. Sabitoni, introduced the LEAN LIUNA program and highlighted its potential to transform the way the union supports its members. Whether it’s sharing crucial resources, establishing peer support groups or hiring dedicated Peer Support Specialists, LEAN LIUNA aims to connect members and their dependents with the help they need—at every level of care. The program was discussed in more detail at a dedicated workshop, where it was underscored that an effective LEAN program may look different across various Regions, and that the LHSFNA is committed to helping LIUNA affiliates develop a program that meets their specific needs.
“This comprehensive peer support initiative, created by Laborers for Laborers, ensures that no member has to face adversity alone,” said Lisa. “Whether grappling with job-related stress, addiction, or mental health issues, LEAN connects members with specialists who understand the unique challenges of the industries they work in.”
At the conference, General President Brent Booker, General Secretary-Treasurer Michael F. Sabitoni and the entire General Executive Board expressed their unwavering support for the LEAN LIUNA program. “Addressing the mental and behavioral health needs of our members is a top priority across this union,” said Booker. “LEAN LIUNA and its peer support programs is a crucial step in ensuring every member has clear access to support and knows exactly where to turn when facing adversity in all its forms.”
The need for robust mental health and addiction support has never been greater. That’s why the Fund is intensifying its efforts to provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring that all LIUNA Regions and affiliates have the tools they need to make LEAN LIUNA a success. In the coming months, the LHSFNA will provide materials and ongoing support to assist Regions across the United States and Canada in adopting and implementing this program effectively. This includes a LEAN LIUNA Guidebook, which will offer step-by-step instructions for establishing a program that can integrate seamlessly into each Region’s broader health and welfare framework.
The success of LEAN LIUNA will depend on the dedication of Regional leaders, District Councils, Local Unions and health and welfare funds. By bringing LEAN LIUNA and its peer support programs to your LIUNA members, we can reduce stigma and ensure that every member has access to the help they need. For more information and to be among the first to receive the LEAN LIUNA Guidebook, sign up here.
[Natalie Kulick]
