Maine Takes Action With Suicide Prevention Fencing on Penobscot Narrows Bridge

This summer, the state will begin installing suicide prevention fencing on the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, according to Bangor Daily News.

With a price tag of $2 million, the amount of time of the build still remains uncertain, as the article states.

Regrettably, there is an important reason why this is taking place.

Sadly, a resident of Eddington, Maine, named Stephanie Cossette lost her son to suicide in 2013, according to the article. Since then, she has advocated for this fencing. She's spoken out about her concerns and has been eager to raise awareness to get this fencing up to prevent future tragedies.

As per the article, Cossette thinks that the physical barrier will be more effective than hotlines or crisis phones, talking about her son's impulsivity as an important factor.

Research that was brought to legislators does support the idea that impulsivity contributes to suicide attempts, and Governor Mills does support the initiative.

The work to install this barrier fencing started back in 2014, and the legislative approval/funding was secured last summer.

According to the article, approximately a dozen suicides have taken place at the Penobscot Narrows Bridge.

Cossette sited that when they installed the barrier fencing at the Memorial Bridge in Augusta in 1983, it resulted in zero suicides.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please visit Maine NAMI for help or call 988, Suicide & Crisis Hotline.