Losing my father and son to suicide is a pain I carry every day. Our family has been shattered by these tragedies, and I am sharing this story with a heavy heart in hopes of preventing other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge, spanning the beautiful landscape of Southeast Georgia between Brunswick and Jekyll Island, stands as a marvel of engineering, Georgia's tallest cable-stayed bridge.  However, it's become a site of sorrow for too many families. Since its opening, the bridge has been associated with numerous suicide attempts and fatalities, becoming a frequent location for such tragic events.

Statistics show that barriers are effective in reducing the number of suicides on bridges. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that installing barriers resulted in a 91% reduction in suicides over a decade. These barriers not only act as a physical deterrent but also allow valuable time for interventions by authorities and passersby.

Installing suicide prevention barriers on the Sidney Lanier Bridge is a concrete step we can take as a community to support those in despair. These barriers could save countless lives and spare many families the lifelong grief that follows such loss. The initiative requires collaboration among local authorities, mental health organizations, and community members to gather the necessary support and funding.

By signing this petition, you can help us urge the Glynn County officials, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and stakeholders to prioritize mental health and safety by implementing suicide prevention barriers. Your signature is a step towards taking action and making the Sidney Lanier Bridge a safer place for everyone.

"One of the most effective methods of preventing suicide is to give suicidal individuals and those 
who care for them something they desperately need: time. This includes time for the suicidal 
risk to diminish, time for the intense suicidal impulse to pass, or time for someone to intervene 
with mental health support and resources (“Means Reduction,” 2019)."

Please sign my petition to support this cause and help prevent future tragedies.