California Construction News staff writer
About 100 construction workers paused their jobsite duties at Sacramento International Airport last week to participate in AGC of California’s Mental Health Media Day, an event dedicated to elevating mental health as a cornerstone of jobsite safety and worker well-being.
Hosted on the construction site of the airport’s upcoming Terminal B parking garage and pedestrian bridge, the gathering brought together leaders from the construction industry, government, and airport administration to advocate for stronger mental health support across California jobsites.
“Your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) during opening remarks. “When we care for ourselves and for one another, we build a stronger, safer, more resilient industry—and society.”
Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of incorporating mental wellness into day-to-day work environments. “It’s not just about services and hotlines,” she said. “It’s about bringing mental health into the everyday—into partnerships, jobsite practices, and conversations like this.” 
The event comes as part of Mental Health Awareness Month and aligns with AGC of California’s broader Mental Health Initiative, which has supported a series of “safety stand-downs” across the state. These intentional pauses in jobsite activity create space for open dialogue around mental well-being, available resources, and the importance of mental health in workplace culture.
“At Balfour Beatty, we often talk about building with purpose,” said Kyle Frandsen, Vice President of Balfour Beatty. “And while we’re proud of the structures we leave behind, it’s the impact on people that truly defines our work. That’s why today matters—because behind every hardhat is a human story.”
Stephen Dummit, President of Tradewinds Leadership and a former electrical contractor, led a compelling session on the practical steps workers and leaders can take to prioritize resilience and psychological safety alongside physical precautions. “Mental health needs to be as much a part of our jobsite toolkit as any piece of PPE,” Dummit said.
AGC of California’s efforts have been embraced by contractors across the state, reinforcing the need to expand mental health awareness beyond a single month.
“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but this movement can’t stop in June,” said Allison Otto, CEO of Otto Construction. “This is a year-round commitment. So, let’s use today as a spark to build a future where mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical safety.”
Peter Tateishi, CEO of AGC of California, closed the event by reminding attendees of the bigger picture. “Taking care of our teams goes far beyond hard hats and safety harnesses,” he said. “It’s about ensuring every person feels supported, valued, and equipped to do their best work.”
Mental Health Media Day underscores AGC of California’s mission to create a culture of care across the construction industry. Tools, training resources, and support materials can be accessed through the organization’s dedicated mental health portal at https://www.agc-ca.org/sites/mental-health-initiative/.
