Thanks to Mr. Steve Snider the CEO of the
Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission for finally moving to install a barrier that will substantially increase the difficulty of
completing suicide from
the MacDonald Bridge.
Many large
cities have a “favoured” location to which individuals contemplating suicide
congregate. In Halifax-Dartmouth, the MacDonald Bridge is one of those places.
The fact that it is conveniently close to a major mental health facility only
serves to accentuate its importance in this problem.
Since the
impetus to complete suicide often waxes and wanes, actions that can
substantially delay the final act leading to suicide may deter the suicidal
individual from acting and may increase the probability of choosing life
instead. Indeed, many people who have decided not to complete suicide or who
have survived a suicide attempt go on to live positive and productive lives and
when reflecting on their suicide considerations are very pleased that they did
not go through with their plans. Restriction of lethal means is one of the few
public health measures that have been associated with decreasing suicide rates.
Although method substitution is technically possible, research studies have not
been able to demonstrate a clear pattern of this occurring when a bridge
barrier is erected. So is it likely that putting up a barrier on the MacDonald
Bridge will save lives? Probably. Will it send a clear message of concern for
this important health issue? Totally! Is it about time this happened?
Absolutely!
Actually, important
as the role that Mr. Snider had in moving this agenda forward, the true heroes
of the story are Carol Cashen and a concerned group of citizens and mental health
advocates. As many residents of Halifax-Darthmouth Ms. Cashen is a
public health nurse and the mother of a young man who took his life by jumping
from the MacDonald Bridge. Together with other members of the community , with
the input of the Canadian Mental Health Association and with responsible print
and electronic media reporting Carol and the citizens of Halifax-Dartmouth were
able to accomplish what the professionals and government were not able to do.
They have made the difference. They are the people we all have to be thankful
to.
Further
Reading: AJA Award winner: Adam's Fall, by Matthieu Aikins Mother calls for screen to stop bridge jumpers ~
Dr. Stan Kutcher
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