Suicide Crisis Lines Needed in State Parks: Bucks Co. Legislators

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —With suicides in state parks hitting close to home in Bucks County, two area legislators have co-sponsored legislation for crisis lifelines to be posted in all state parks and forests throughout the Commonwealth.

The bill by State Reps. Kathleen "KC" Tomlinson (R-Bensalem) and Kristin Marcell (R-Richboro) would require the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prominently post information about suicide awareness and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in all state parks and forests.

There have been several suicides and attempted suicides in Bucks County parks, including 21-year-old Lindsey Piccone, who ended her life in Tyler State Park in 2016, the legislators said.

“With 164 suicides tragically occurring at Pennsylvania state parks and forests since 2010, we hope more awareness can help save lives,” Marcell said. “If there is even a small chance this action will result in a person choosing not to end his or her life, it is clearly a step worth taking.”

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been rolled out nationwide as an easy-to-remember and easy-to-dial hotline that connects individuals thinking about suicide, or who need emotional support, with a skilled, trained crisis worker. This service is available 24/7 and is free to call.

“We have come a long way in developing resources to assist those who are contemplating suicide,” Tomlinson said. “Studies show that when people think twice about suicide by receiving a text or a call or seeing a sign, the chances of them changing their mind increase. In honor of Lindsey, we need to show people that hope and help are available.”

House Bill 1705 would require the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prominently post information about this crisis line and suicide awareness in all state parks and forests throughout the Commonwealth.

Marcell and Tomlinson both look forward to working with their colleagues in a bipartisan way to pass this vital and potentially lifesaving legislation.