Minnesota DLI Awards Construction Mental Health Grants

MN DLI Labor News

Published January 16th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has awarded grants totaling $750,000 to two organizations to support mental health initiatives within the construction industry. The Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education will use the funds to develop outreach, resources, and worksite strategies.

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What changed

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) announced on January 16, 2026, that it has awarded grants to the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. These grants, funded by the 2025 legislative session and totaling $750,000, are part of the DLI's Mental Health Support in Construction grant program. The selected organizations will implement programs focused on outreach, engagement, resource development, and worksite strategies to promote mental well-being and prevent suicide among construction workers.

While this is an announcement of grant awards and not a new regulation imposing direct obligations on employers, it signifies a state-level initiative to address mental health challenges in the construction sector. The grant period runs from February 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. Employers in the construction industry, particularly those in Minnesota, may benefit from or be involved with the programs developed by the grant recipients. Compliance officers should be aware of these initiatives as they may lead to future resources or best practices shared by the DLI.

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Department of Labor and Industry awards grants to support mental health in construction

Department of Labor and Industry awards grants to support mental health in construction

January 16, 2026
Two Minnesota organizations – the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education – have been selected to receive funding through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's (DLI's) Mental Health Support in Construction grant program.

With these grants, the organizations will create outreach and engagement programs, develop practical resources and implement worksite strategies aimed at promoting mental well-being and preventing suicide among construction workers.

"Prioritizing the mental health of construction workers will save lives," said Nicole Blissenbach, DLI commissioner. "Construction workers face unique challenges and these grants will help ensure more workers have access to the support and resources they need. The organizations selected will implement comprehensive outreach, awareness and education programs to support both workers and employers."

The Mental Health Support in Construction grant program is now closed for applications and was funded during the 2025 legislative session. The available grant funds for qualified organizations were $750,000. The grant period runs from Feb. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027.