By TYGER ALLEN Representative Joseph J. Solomon Jr. is looking to pass legislation to erect protective barriers along the sides of three bridges in the state. He said that these barriers would certainly be a deterrent for anyone contemplating taking
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Representative Joseph J. Solomon Jr. is looking to pass legislation to erect protective barriers along the sides of three bridges in the state. He said that these barriers would certainly be a deterrent for anyone contemplating taking their own life.
If the bill passes, the state’s Department of Transportation would install either barriers or netting to prevent suicide attempts on the Claiborne Pell, Jamestown Verrazzano and Mt. Hope Bridges.
“Without it, there’s nothing to prevent someone from taking their own life,” Solomon said. “In other states, it has proved to work.”
Solomon said Rhode Island would follow projects in California, Florida and New York if the bill is passed.
Solomon said his inspiration for the bill came when he lost a friend to suicide. The death motivated him to push the legislation and create a solution that would get the individual the help they needed if they were thinking about taking their own life.
Solomon said that he believes there is federal funding for the project, but does not have the cost at the moment. He included that when it comes to the cost of a loss of life and the cost of affecting the lives of friends and family, it’s something the state needs to do.
“I believe now is the time to actually do something about it,” Solomon said.
Jennifer Matoney grew up in Kingston and lost her mother to suicide in 2007. She said her life completely changed from that moment. From then on, Matoney has advocated for suicide prevention, becoming a co-chair for the Massachusetts chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Matoney said that her mother’s death completely changed her life and that she can make a clear delineation of her life before and after.
Matoney learned of the bill through connections in Rhode Island’s chapter of AFSP and reached out to Rep. Solomon showing her appreciation of his bill.
“It’s very personal to me,” Matoney said. “We were shocked by her death.”
The AFSP website says that in Rhode Island, one person dies by suicide every 68 hours and is the 11th leading cause of death in the state. Rhode Island ranks 42nd for a suicide rate despite being 44th in state population across the country.
Matoney said that AFSP is involved in research and advocacy for suicide prevention. Their studies about bridge barriers, she said, shows that they have a direct effect in communities they are placed in. Matoney also said that when barriers are put up, suicide rates in the region can decrease and when these barriers are taken away, the rates can increase.
In the moment, if someone is attempting to use a bridge as a means to take their own life, a barrier may add time to their process. And in this added time, they may decide not to take their life, or it may result in someone else intervening.
Matoney said that on April 8, AFSP Rhode Island will hold their annual State Capitol Day where state representatives will be able to meet with advocates for suicide prevention at the library in the State House.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 and is available all hours everyday. To reach the Crisis Text Line, text “CONNECT” to 741741.
13 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
davebarry109
How about if we don't and we continue to enjoy the view.
Thursday, February 6, 2020 Report this
bendover
HEY JOEY; While you are at it, don't forget the bridge on Old Warwick Avenue going across Buckeye Brook. It's in the Infrastructure bill in Washington, which means Rhode Island's 4 Stooges will take credit for it...You are bottom man. Nice try...
Thursday, February 6, 2020 Report this
Jsimmy230
Another Solomon looking to waste money that we can8affird, and shouldn't have to pay. If people want to commit suicide, let them, because you really can not stop them. Pay for these 3 bridges, and they'll find another bridge, or another way, like overdose, or use a knife, gun, razor, jump in front of a train, truck, car, the list can just go on and on and on, ending with intentionally swallowing a chicken bone. LOL
If dope politicians, like the Solomons, and all the other Democrats in RI and USA, would just get out of every phase of our lifes, ruining the State and Country, maybe less would want to die.
Just stop this insanity. You can't save idiot losers from themselves, so stop trying, at our expense.
Thursday, February 6, 2020 Report this
JohnStark
Hold on a minute. This is Rhode Island. If government seeks to prevent certain behaviors (e.g. profits, gains, income, sales), why not just tax said behaviors? Simply put, if someone wants to jump off the Jamestown Bridge, why not have the state apply a 25% sales tax to burial arrangements? Goes back to the old adage: If you want to encourage a certain behavior, subsidize it; I you want to discourage a behavior, tax it.
Thursday, February 6, 2020 Report this
thepilgrim
More will be tempted to suicide as the economy continues to tank.
Saturday, February 8, 2020 Report this
Warwickbeautiful
To the insensitive people making rude comments and jokes about this issue, you probably have not lost a close friend or family member to suicide, because if you did, you would not write such hurtful and insensitive comments.
Before you make your terrible comments, please keep in mind that suicide prevention is a serious issue and ignorant comments just re-open the wounds for people who have been directly affected by suicide.
Thank you to our political leaders who are doing something to prevent future tragedies.
Sunday, February 9, 2020 Report this
Jsimmy230
If you think this Bill will stop suicides, you need help. This idea will just cost taxpayers more money, and make money for politically connected construction companies that will then kick back more to the POLITICIANS. And around and around they go.
Sunday, February 9, 2020 Report this
Happy
He is a fine young Democrat who you forgot was elected by us!
His barriers are not a waste of taxpayer money. When designed I'm sure that they will be pleasing to the eye and only enhance the beauty of our state!
Our Democrats are always thinking of ways to make RI better, I love that!
Monday, February 10, 2020 Report this
Jsimmy230
It is a waste of money, a scam, and like all democrats, they just waste our money on foolish shit to make money for their family, friends, and contributors. Nothing else matters to them. Especially him and his father. The only reason RI is last in every measurable categories is because Democrats have ruled, and ruined this State, for the last 70 years.
You deserve the government you allow!
Monday, February 10, 2020 Report this
Happy
John,
If you're so upset with the Democratic party and what they are doing for us, why don't you move to a Trump state where you will be happy vs being miserable for the rest of your life by staying here?
This state will be Democratic forever and you'll never change that, so get used to it and quit whining!
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Report this
Happy
John,
If you're so upset with the Democratic party and what they are doing for us, why don't you move to a Trump state where you will be happy vs being miserable for the rest of your life by staying here?
This state will be Democratic forever and you'll never change that, so get used to it and quit whining!
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Report this
Jsimmy230
Happy. Have somebody show you how not to double post. You idiot democrat.....lol
Nobody to screw with in a Trump State. RI is perfect for me. 95% idiots, like you, that I can screw with. I'm far from miserable. I love it.
Now go see mommy upstairs. It's time for you to eat no doubt.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Report this
perky4175
if they want to kill them selfs then let them
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Report this