How can we help Port Angeles get a suicide-prevention fence up on the two Eighth Street bridges?
I read that they need almost a million dollars for the project and they’re working on writing grants, but that takes time and is not a guarantee of funding.
Is there a less expensive fence option, and is there community interest in organizing volunteers and donor funds to help offset the costs?
It was our day off on Monday, and my husband and I decided to go together to take our daughter to school.
We were driving back and approached the Eighth Street bridge when it was blocked by police cars.
We later learned about the girl who had committed suicide there.
Even though we didn’t know her, our hearts bleed for the loss of life and the terrible grief of her family and friends.
We offer our deepest condolences.
The number of youths who have committed suicide on those two bridges is deeply troubling.
During the teenage years, youths don’t possess long-term judgment capabilities; scientific research indicates this judgment is developed during a person’s mid-20s and later.
Studies also reveal that teens become more influenced by ideas outside their family at this point in life.
This is why ongoing education and preventive measures are so important.
There is no returning from suicide.
It’s a mistake that cannot be reversed.
A fence will take away an easy way out and is something as a community we can do to help.
Becky Pettigrew,
Port Angeles