SpeakUp ReachOut responds to bridge deaths, recommends installation of barrier
Editor’s note: This article discusses death by suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it triggering. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact your physician, go to your local emergency room, call Your Hope Center’s 24/7 crisis line at 970-306-4673 or Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255.
Local suicide prevention coalition SpeakUp ReachOut made public Wednesday the efforts the nonprofit has undertaken in recent months to address an Eagle County bridge which has seen an uptick in deaths this summer.
After three deaths occurred at the bridge between April and August, SpeakUp ReachOut facilitated a dialogue with local stakeholders to help limit access to lethal means as part of its strategic approach to reducing instances of suicide in Eagle County.
The Colorado Department of Transportation Region 3 team, CDOT Commissioner Barbara Bowman, the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention–Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Sen. Dylan Roberts all joined the conversation to discuss next steps regarding a feasibility study for a bridge barrier or alternative options to thwart suicide attempts at the 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. SpeakUp ReachOut has determined a bridge barrier is the most effective way to do this.
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The next step in CDOT’s planning and feasibility process is to identify a functional design for possible bridge barriers at the site.
“This process includes a structural, environmental, historical, maintenance, and cost analysis,” SpeakUp ReachOut said in a press release issued Wednesday.
Research is currently being conducted into funding opportunities to support the planning and implementation process of a bridge barrier, including 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,” said Jason Smith, CDOT Region 3 Director. “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.”
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, the executive director of SpeakUp ReachOut.
Ivie cited information from the Harvard School of Public Health, saying nine out of 10 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,” Ivie said. “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, SpeakUp ReachOut aims to bring community members together to learn and share their unique experiences. Visit speakupreachout.org to learn more.
