MINNEAPOLIS — The Washington Avenue Bridge on the University of Minnesota campus, which is used by 20,0000 pedestrians and 7,000 bicyclists every day, now has temporary chain link fencing across the entire span — a safety measure meant to prevent and reduce suicide.
"For the first time in decades there is an opportunity here to prevent suicide and save lives," said Erich Mische, CEO of suicide awareness group SAVE, which fought for the barrier as part of Kayla's Hope, an initiative started in the name of Kayla Gaebel — a young woman who died by suicide — to fund suicide prevention barriers.
"It interrupts the suicidal impulsivity. That's the whole purpose behind a physical barrier," Mische said. "Someone who is contemplating suicide, there is a period of time where if you can interrupt that impulsivity, you can save their life. They will rethink that decision."
A University spokesperson said the chain link fencing, which is a temporary rental, comes at an estimated cost of $75,000.
The bridge itself is owned by Hennepin County. So figuring out funding — and approval — for a more permanent solution has been a challenge these advocates have run into.
"And that's why we kind of now turn our attention and focus to urging Hennepin County to take the next step to do the next thing that needs to be done to strengthen what the University has done and make sure we're doing all we can to prevent suicide," Mische said.
But Mische shared the reaction of Kayla's mother — who shared her story with KARE 11 News in the past — after U of M President Rebecca Cunningham approved the current measure.
"I called MJ after the conversation with Dr. Cunningham, and there was a little bit of silence, then followed by an enormous amount of gratitude to Dr. Cunningham and the University of Minnesota for taking this step," Mische said.
Dr. Cunningham in a statement said, in part: "The University of Minnesota prioritizes the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors... and we will continue to explore how we can work together to fund and implement long-term solutions in the future."
The next step will be for Hennepin County to consider an enhancement to this current solution which could come at a cost of up to $1 million. The University estimates a more permanent solution would cost $8 or $9 million.
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, there is help available from the following resources:
Crisis Text Line – text “MN” to 741741 (standard data and text rates apply)
Crisis Phone Number in your Minnesota county
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, Talk to Someone Now
Throughout Minnesota call **CRISIS (**274747)
The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386