Lethal Means Safety (Bridge Barrier)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Erin Ivie, Executive Director, 970-632-3858, erin.ivie@speakupreachout.org
SpeakUp ReachOut Responds to Deaths at Local Bridge Along with Local and State Governments and Community Partners
SpeakUp ReachOut is working to address deaths at a local Eagle County bridge that has seen an uptick in suicides this summer. After three deaths occurred at the bridge between April and August, SpeakUp ReachOut continued its efforts to help limit access to lethal means as part of its strategic approach to reduce instances of suicide in Eagle County.
As part of the response, SpeakUp ReachOut facilitated a dialogue with Red Cliff Staff, Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle County Emergency Management and Vail Mountain Rescue Group to address the impact of bridge deaths in this area.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Region 3 team, CDOT Commissioner Bowman, the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention–Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and State Senator Dylan Roberts joined the conversation the following week to discuss next steps regarding a feasibility study for a bridge barrier or alternative options to thwart suicide attempts at the same bridge.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, one of the most effective methods of preventing suicide is to give suicidal individuals time for the intense suicidal impulse to pass or time for someone with crisis support and resources to intervene. A bridge barrier is the most effective way to do this.
At this time the next steps include:
CDOT planning and feasibility process to identify a functional design for possible bridge barriers at the site. This process includes a structural, environmental, historical, maintenance, and cost analysis.
All partners research funding opportunities that would support the planning and implementation process. This includes, but is not limited to, local, state and federal grants, capital campaigns, Congressionally Directed Spending possibilities, and transportation funds usage.
"Safety is at the core of CDOT's mission, and we share the deep concern of our neighbors and community members about these incidents. We're committed to finding what options we have and working to create solutions that can hopefully give people in crisis an opportunity for a different outcome."Jason Smith, CDOT Region 3 Director.
In February of 2024, after years of research and planning, an emergency call box was installed near the bridge to give those in despair, or those that see something suspicious near the bridge, the opportunity to call emergency services as there is no cell coverage in the area.
“While the emergency call box will be available for all types of emergencies, our hope is that it will provide one more opportunity for people in distress to receive crisis support or for someone who sees something to say something before it is too late.” said Erin Ivie, Executive Director of SpeakUp ReachOut.
According to Harvard School of Public Health, nine out of ten people who attempt suicide and survive will not go on to die by suicide at a later date. A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
While a bridge barrier is the goal of this collaboration, it is also important to note that we all play a role in suicide prevention efforts. Each one of us can learn the signs of suicidal ideation, support people we love and refer them to the help they deserve. By providing community connection, social support and access to treatment we can help build resilience, find recovery and offer hope in our Valley.
SpeakUp ReachOut, founded in 2009, exists to reduce instances of suicide in Eagle County and help those affected by it address their pain. Through education programs, events, peer groups and partnerships, we bring community members together to learn and share their unique experiences. Visit www.speakupreachout.org to learn more.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Your Hope Center at 970-306-HOPE (4673) or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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See the Vail Daily coverage here.