It has been talked about in Pawtucket and other communities for years. But now comes word that in the state budget proposal being considered is a measure that would spend a million dollars on so called "suicide barriers" on state bridges.
The measure was written by State Senator Louis DiPalma and State Rep Joseph Solomon.
“This is an all-too-frequent tragedy,” said Senator DiPalma. “The cost of suicide is great. Not only is there a tragic loss of life, but those left behind can spend their lives struggling with grief, anxiety and guilt. Beyond that, suicides and suicide attempts cost the nation almost $70 billion per year in lifetime medical and work-loss costs according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The inclusion of this money in the budget is a good starting point to get this work done.”
Newport-Pell, Jamestown-Verrazano, Mount Hope and Sakonnet will be the first but there will be others.
The House is expected to vote on the budget on Thursday.
(Photo by U.S. Navy via Getty Images)
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Photo: Getty Images