Suicide safe

Committee to identify ways to save lives on Hillsborough and North River Causeway bridges

Members of the community have stepped up to form a Suicide Prevention committee to help save lives on the Hillsborough and North River Causeway bridges.

The committee recently met with Charlottetown city Councillor Mitchell Tweel, a member of the steering committee since its inception.

“The objective is to identify what can be done on the bridges to save lives,” said Tweel. “If there were emergency phones, cameras, just ways for them to call out for help before the point of no return, we feel by putting these mechanisms there it can save lives.”

The Hillsborough Bridge and North River Causeway Suicide Prevention Steering Committee recommends the implementation of technology to reduce the lethality. “It’s important to explore preventive strategies and also consider ways that closure may be provided for the loved ones of those who are successful in their attempts. The committee plans to reconvene after exploring various options to promote safety for community members in crisis,” said Tweel.

Increased lighting, signage, as well as bridge barriers are among the options being explored by the committee. Members of the public, as well as federal, provincial and municipal levels of government are invited to attend a future meeting.

“It will be great to see policymakers and professionals from various disciplines come together with community organizers to work toward a common goal,” concluded Chris Pickard, committee member.