Jeremy Mielke has joined the Calgary Construction Association (CCA) as program manager to oversee the implementation of the “Tailgate Toolkit” Recovery Resource Program.
His role will involve leading workplace talks, collaborating with industry professionals, and expanding the reach of the Tailgate Toolkit initiative in Calgary. With his hands-on approach, relatability, and deep understanding of addiction and mental health, he is dedicated to helping individuals in the construction industry see new possibilities for themselves and their communities.
Mielke is a dedicated professional with a deep passion for mental health, addiction recovery, and building meaningful connections. With both educational and lived experience in addiction and recovery, he has spent years working with individuals in high-risk sectors, helping them navigate challenges, reduce stigma, and access the support they need.
Before joining the Calgary Construction Association’s Tailgate Toolkit, Mielke worked extensively in treatment settings that primarily serve men and those who identify as male, where he served as an addictions counsellor and program developer at Simon House Recovery Centre. There, he facilitated stigma-reducing education, emotional regulation workshops, and recovery-based psychoeducational programming, equipping hundreds of individuals with the tools to rebuild their lives. His expertise in narrative approaches helps individuals recognize how past experiences shape identity and develop new ways to rewrite their story toward fulfillment and purpose.
Originally developed by the Vancouver Island Construction Association, the Tailgate Toolkit is a tailored program designed to meet the unique needs of the construction industry. It uses tailgate meetings, targeted training, and on-site engagement to raise awareness about substance use, provide access to resources, and connect workers with recovery and support services. This proactive approach addresses a critical need for mental health and addiction support within the industry.
Since its launch in late January, the program has seen substantial interest from Calgary’s construction industry, with more than 200 sign-ups for toolbox talks.
