Carlough appointed first-ever SMART director of wellness and mental health support

In May, Chris Carlough was appointed the first-ever SMART director of wellness and mental health support, taking the next step in a long career dedicated to enhancing the well-being of SMART mem­bers across the United States and Canada.

Carlough has spearheaded numerous programs aimed at meeting the unique needs of union workers and industry partners, demonstrating his passion for advo­cating for mental health awareness and support.

One such initiative, started in 2013, was the SMART MAP (Members Assistance Program), which focuses attention on a variety of mental health issues, such as substance abuse and suicidal ideations, through various awareness trainings — locating top-tier mental health resources and building a network of compassionate union members and other peers who offer support and guidance to fellow members and their families. Another, more recent program has been the training and distribu­tion of naloxone throughout local unions in the United States and Canada in an effort to reduce opioid over­dose deaths.

“I strongly believe that empathy and vulnerability through shared experiences can reduce the stigma of mental health issues and will build a culture of support, caring and solidarity throughout our organization, where members and their families feel safe seeking help for mental health issues without fear of judgment or reprisal,” said Carlough, who has been active in his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction for more than 20 years.

By continuing to be a vocal proponent of policies and initiatives that prioritize members’ well-being, Carlough aims to advance the conversation around mental health in the workplace. His goal is to help ensure that SMART members have the resources and support they need to maintain their mental and emotional welfare so that they can spend more time in comfort and happiness — on and off the job.