Suicide prevention decals installed on Kamloops bridge

Suicide prevention decals have now been installed along the railings of a Kamloops bridge following a request from a concerned resident.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure put the decals on the bridge overlooking Peterson Creek after a mother who lost her son to suicide asked for preventative measures for others who may consider taking their own life.  

The decals run intermittently along both sides of the bridge, and read: "When there is no hope, there is help."

Studies by the Mental Health Association of Canada indicate signage on bridges has been shown to reduce deaths by suicide by approximately 21%.

"Ministry staff worked with local RCMP, community health officials and the Interior Crisis Line to develop the decals, which encourage anyone considering suicide to reach out for help from the local crisis line," a Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure representative said in an email.

"The ministry continues to work collaboratively with local enforcement agencies, the local crisis management centre and other key stakeholders to ensure we are helping to support suicide prevention."

If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, or know someone who is, click here or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) for help any time of the day or night from anywhere in B.C.

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