Taxpayer cost questions surround push for suicide prevention measures on I-74 Bridge

(The Center Square) – Suicide prevention advocates are renewing calls for safety measures on the Interstate 74 Bridge, arguing that barriers, crisis hotline signage and emergency call boxes could help save lives and reduce suicide attempts.

Jon Zumkehr, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 4070, said the effort aims to start a broader conversation about incorporating suicide prevention features into bridge design and infrastructure projects.

“We want those conversations to be started,” Zumkehr said. “Whether it’s a sign, whether it’s a call box, whether it’s netting, we want evidence-based prevention measures.”

The push follows outreach efforts by the Gray Matters Collective, a Quad Cities-based suicide prevention organization. Zumkehr said the group recently brought suicide prevention advocate Kevin Hines to the region to share his story. Hines survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge and later advocated for the installation of safety netting on the California l...