Wachusett Dam is an important landmark in Clinton, Massachusetts, but recent incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and accessibility of dangerous areas surrounding the dam.

Recently, first responders successfully brought an individual to safety. I am incredibly grateful for their actions and thankful that this person is alive and receiving the help they need.

Unfortunately, our community has also experienced a heartbreaking loss of life at this location just a few months ago.

These incidents should encourage us to come together and ask an important question: What more can we do to prevent this from happening again?

Research shows that physical barriers can save lives.

According to a 2020 Cochrane systematic review published in the National Library of Medicine's PubMed Central database, suicide prevention interventions at bridges and other high-risk jumping locations were associated with a 91% reduction in suicides at those sites.

These interventions included physical barriers, fencing, safety nets, and other measures designed to restrict access to dangerous areas.

While no preventative measure can guarantee that every life will be saved, this research demonstrates that making dangerous locations less accessible can significantly reduce suicide deaths.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7039710/

 

What we are asking for?

We are calling on DCR and the appropriate authorities to conduct a formal safety assessment of Wachusett Dam and consider implementing:

• Suicide prevention barriers or safety netting around dangerous areas of the dam.
• Taller, more secure fencing to make dangerous ledges less accessible.
• Improved access restrictions when rangers or staff are not present.
• Clearly visible mental health crisis signs displaying the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, encouraging individuals to call or text for immediate support.
• Emergency assistance signage to help individuals in crisis quickly contact first responders.
• A comprehensive safety assessment to determine which preventative measures would be most effective.

I understand that we cannot prevent every suicide. But the possibility that someone may find another way should never be a reason to avoid taking action.

Physical barriers can create valuable time for someone experiencing a moment of crisis to reconsider, seek help, or receive assistance.

We should not have to wait for another heartbreaking incident to seriously consider these improvements.

Even one life saved would make these efforts worthwhile.

 

Please sign and share this petition to help bring attention to the need for additional safety measures and mental health resources at Wachusett Dam.