by An organization is working to implement safety precautions on the Washington Ave Bridge to prevent suicide deaths.
In November of last year, MJ Weiss lost her daughter to suicide. Since then she has spearheaded a movement to add physical safety barriers on the Washington Ave Bridge. Since then, she has worked with SAVE, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, to get funding to install safety precautions.
“I believe that if Kayla had gotten there and seen barriers she would still be with us here today,” Weiss said. “What is there currently is not enough.”
Several people die by suicide on the bridge each year. The Washington Ave Bridge connects the East Bank and West Bank and thousands of students cross the bridge every day.
Carter Sharp, University student, said he uses the bridge frequently because he is a Carlson student.
“I lived in the Middlebrook dorm my freshman year also so I was going across the bridge quite often just being over on West Bank trying to get on East Bank,” Sharp said.
On the bridge, there are currently several safety precautions including phones on each side, security cameras, and signage posted with the crisis line number. However, these have not been successful in eliminating suicide deaths.
During a meeting on April 4 hosted by SAVE, Erich Miche, the director of SAVE, brought up several examples that could improve safety on the bridge. Including implementing nets or installing higher railings.
“The most tangible statement was that they were going to raise the railing,” Miche said.
According to SAVE’s research, in the past, concerns about ruining the aesthetics of the bridge had come up when discussing safety improvements.
Phoebe West, University student, said she used to walk across the bridge daily. She said safety is more important than preserving aesthetics and she supports raising the railing.
“I think that would be a wise decision,” West said. “Anything to keep people safe is a good decision.”
There must be funding for greater safety precautions. Legislators need to be made aware of the issue for them to get funding. Weiss and Miche urge people and students to contact legislators and Board of Regents members and encourage them to push for funding.
“Any of the work being done here to raise awareness and educate people about suicide prevention barriers on the bridge is going to help save lives of their fellow students, ” Miche said.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988.
SAVE offers resources to help people reach out to Board of Regent members and legislators. Click here for its website.
SAVE is hosting a Suicide Awareness Memorial on Thursday, April 18. For more details, click here.
