What is SMART MAP?
SMART MAP is an interactive session led by Chris Carlough, SMART Director of Wellness and Mental Health Support, and covers a wide range of topics related to mental health. Over the course of the three-day session, participants are encouraged to collaborate with the facilitators and each other.
Who should attend?
SMART MAP is for anyone who wants to make a difference in their local union and community. Participants leave the session with skills they need to assist members in crisis. SMART MAP doesn’t teach you to be a counselor, but participants learn how to listen and what to do with the information they hear. Sometimes that means bringing in professionals. Other times, it’s just to listen. Mental health is just as much a part of jobsite safety as PPE, and SMART MAP illustrates that.
What is covered?
The core topics covered during the session are mental health, substance use disorder, and suicide prevention awareness, resources, and peer support. Facilitators often speak from personal experiences and attendees are able to do the same in a safe environment.
Other topics may include:
- Addiction: The Disease Model
- Relapse Sequence
- Stages of Change and Motivational Interviewing
- Confidentiality and Ethics for Peer Representatives
- Communication
- Legal Issues
- Weed Inc.: The Colorado Experiment
- Navigation of the Health Insurance/Treatment Center World
- Suicide Prevention
- Aftercare Programs
- Narcan Administration
It sounds serious. What is the overall tone of SMART MAP sessions?
While the topics covered are serious in nature, comradery is the core of SMART MAP and the key to its success. Participants learn just as much from sharing personal experiences with each other and facilitators as they do from the facts and lessons provided. Small group discussions and activities, along with a group dinner, allow for participants to network and connect on a number of levels.
If SMART MAP doesn’t teach you to be a counselor, what skills should I expect to have once I complete the session?
SMART MAP removes any nervousness when someone asks, “Can we talk?” and replaces it with confidence, skills, knowledge, and resources. Think of it as you would first aid or CPR classes — you’re prepared in case of an emergency. Participants will be able to approach any topic, no matter how heavy, and take action when necessary to find expert assistance.
The following classes are available for SMART and SMACNA members to attend.
Class size is limited to 25 seats for intimacy and confidentiality, so please reserve your spot as soon as registration is available.
Upcoming Session Information:
SMART MAP San Diego
Travel in: October 6, 2025
Session Dates: October 7-9, 2025
Travel out: October 10, 2025
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown, 601 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Registration for this session is closed.
SMART MAP Austin
Travel in: Monday February 2, 2026
Session Dates: February 3-5, 2026 from 8 AM to 4 PM
Travel out: Friday February 6, 2026
Location: Hilton Austin, 500 East 4th Street, Austin, TX, 78701; (512) 482-8000
Registration for this session closes on January 11, 2026.
Peer-to-Peer training
A part of SMART MAP, this training is offered to members who want to be a mental health first responder on the job site in order to help find resources for union brothers and sisters in crisis. Some of the subjects covered in these two-day trainings are Anxiety and Depression, Substance Use Disorder – The Chemistry of Addiction, Narcan Administration, Suicide Prevention, 12-Step Programs and Self-Care.
If you are a local leader and would like us to bring this two-day training to your area, fill out the Peer-to-Peer interest form and someone will reach out to discuss in more detail.
Submitting a request does not guarantee that a training will be scheduled. You will be contacted by SMOHIT staff to schedule a training.