After two deaths in less than a week from the Burgoyne Bridge in downtown St. Catharines, the Niagara Region is taking immediate action to install signs at key locations around Niagara that will provide mental health crisis support information.
That was one of the initiatives coming out of a meeting today at the Region involving several agencies that gathered to discuss next steps in preventing anyone else from taking their life on the span.
The newly formed stakeholder group that included representatives from the Region, Public Health, EMS , NRPS and the City of St. Catharines is working on a technical assessment this week to gather information from first responders, public works staff, external bridge consultants and community mental health partners.
Their goal is to use research evidence to best focus their efforts and resources, including consideration of preventative barriers or netting.
The group will meet again on Oct. 17th with representatives from the Niagara Suicide Prevention Coalition, and a further update will be provided at that time.