Bridging Hope: Suicide Prevention Signs Coming to the Piscataqua River Bridge
The Piscataqua River Bridge
In a proactive step toward mental health awareness and suicide prevention, officials from New Hampshire and Maine, in collaboration with Seacoast mental health advocates, have announced plans to install suicide prevention signs on the Piscataqua River Bridge. This initiative follows three suicide attempts on Portsmouth bridges that occurred within hours of each other last week . The Piscataqua River Bridge crosses the Piscataqua connecting Portsmouth with Kittery, Maine.
A Community Responds to Crisis
The recent incidents have underscored the urgent need for accessible mental health resources. Portsmouth Fire Chief William McQuillen remarked on the unusual frequency of these events, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention .
Dennis Walker of the Seacoast Mental Health Center told WMUR that while there isn't a single cause for such tragedies, visible reminders of support can make a significant difference. "A small sign can make a big impact on somebody," he noted, referencing similar signs already posted in Rye .
The Role of the 988 Lifeline
The planned signs will prominently display the number for the National Suicide Crisis Lifeline, 988. Calls to this number are redirected to New Hampshire's 24/7 rapid response team, which can provide immediate assistance over the phone or dispatch a mobile response team to those in need. In the past year alone, the lifeline received 46,000 calls, with 7,000 instances requiring mobile response dispatch .
Looking Ahead
While the Department of Transportation currently has no plans to install physical barriers or nets on the bridge, the introduction of these signs represents a meaningful step in providing immediate resources to individuals in crisis. As communities continue to grapple with mental health challenges, such initiatives serve as vital reminders that help is available and that every life matters.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call the National Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for confidential support 24/7.