“In the midst of the mental health crisis our country is experiencing, Congress must take a comprehensive approach to reduce rising levels of death by suicide. Nets and other barriers on bridges are proven to be effective at preventing suicide-by-jumping. Our Barriers to Suicide Act would create a grant program to support the implementation of those kind of deterrent measures,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “As co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in leading this bill that will save lives.”
“The Barriers To Suicide Act is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen America’s response to the epidemic of suicide,” said Congressman Beyer. “As national awareness of the efficacy of suicide prevention barriers rises, Congress can help by stepping up to provide critical funding for this proven method for state and local governments to save lives. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and will continue to pursue legislative solutions to prevent suicide.”
“As Co-chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, I am proud to co-lead this legislation to create a grant program supporting the installation of suicide deterrent measures, such as nets and other barriers, on bridges,” said Congresswoman Napolitano. “With suicide being one of the leading causes of death in the United States, Congress must act swiftly to support our state partners in combating this crisis and help save lives.”
The legislation is endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, RI International, the Kennedy Forum, the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists, the National League for Nursing, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and the American Psychological Association.
“Installing nets and physical barriers on bridges and other high structures is a proven effective means of preventing suicides,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “AFSP applauds Rep. Beyer, Rep. Fitzpatrick, and Rep. Napolitano for their bipartisan leadership on legislation fostering barrier installation, a life-saving suicide prevention measure.”
Read the text of the bill HERE.