This includes installing Helpline phones and advanced cameras and monitoring equipment on our bridges, staffing a 24/7 command center to assist with security monitoring and emergency response, as well as training staff in suicide prevention and mental health first aid.” “The Authority has undertaken a number of initiatives over the past few decades to address the tragedy of suicide. “Mental health awareness and suicide prevention have long been issues of great concern to the New York State Bridge Authority,” Steber said. The Bridge Authority is weighing the installation of physical barriers on the bridge as part of its capital program that would not require legislation, spokesperson Chris Steber said. “So, New York must stop thinking only of its balance sheet and start caring about the human cost, human lives and our families.” “To me, suicides are preventable if we only had the will to expend the resources necessary,” Harckham said. The lawmakers say state officials have suggested that adding fencing across the length of each bridge could prove costly. Companion legislation is being sponsored in the Assembly by Aileen Gunther.Ĭost: Will dispute over Cuomo Bridge construction up the cost of the bridge?īuilders: Thruway official rejects almost all of Cuomo Bridge builder's $960M in claimsĬlaims: Cuomo Bridge builders sue NY Thruway Authority for more than $900 million in disputed claims Harckham and Skoufis introduced legislation in the state Senate this week that would force the Bridge Authority to install climb-deterrent fencing on its five bridges: Bear Mountain, Rip Van Winkle, Mid-Hudson, Newburgh-Beacon and Kingston-Rhinecliff. Harckham said six people have taken their lives on the Bear Mountain Bridge this year and last, based on a review of news accounts. Time for the intense risk to diminish and for someone to intervene with mental health support and resources.” “Fencing gives individuals what they need,” Harckham said during a press conference Wednesday in Peekskill. Pete Harckham and James Skoufis were joined by family members of victims as they urged the authority to build fencing that will slow individuals long enough to reconsider or allow help to arrive. State lawmakers on Wednesday called on the New York State Bridge Authority to install climb-deterrent fencing on its bridges to prevent suicides. Watch Video: Suicide prevention at New York bridges
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |