Anti-Suicide Signs Go Up On Tacoma Narrows Bridge

GIG HARBOR, WA - A local group working to erase the stigma around suicide and save lives had a major accomplishment this week. The Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition reported that 24 anti-suicide signs have gone up across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

The group worked with the Pierce County Council and WSDOT over the last few months to create the signs. The signs include the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-8255, and a number you can send texts to.

"We have received notice from the DOT that all our suicide prevention signs are now up on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Thanks to the Suicide Prevention Coalition, Rotary North, Key Peninsula Community Council and especially the Pierce County Commissioners. Research shows that causing a pause can save a life," the group wrote in a Facebook post this week.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is one of the largest suspension bridges in the nation, and unfortunately attracts its share of people in crisis. On Jan. 13, for example, a 45-year-old man died after jumping off the bridge.

Bob Anderson, a member of the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition, spearheaded the sign effort after seeing similar signs on bridges in Portland. Anderson's son died after jumping of the bridge some 20 years ago.