Advocates and the QC community are calling for suicide prevention measures at the I-74 Bridge, with experts saying even small interventions can interrupt a crisis.
MOLINE, Ill. — Editor’s Note: This story contains discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call 988 for 24/7/265 confidential and free support. Online services are available here.
A growing community push in the Quad Cities is calling for suicide prevention measures on the I-74 Bridge, as advocates and mental health experts say even small interventions can help interrupt crisis moments and save lives.
The Gray Matters Collective founder and executive director, Haley DeGreve, said the conversation around suicide prevention on the bridge did not start overnight, but recent events have pushed it to the forefront. DeGreVe said she had previously raised the issue with local leaders, but it was not viewed as a priority at the time.
“This is something, given the recent tragedy in the Quad Cities, it’s time to really push it a little bit further and to start making it a priority,” DeGreve said.
The petition launched by the organization is meant to educate the public and encourage leaders to explore prevention options, not mandate one specific solution. The goal is to look at a range of measures that could help create a moment of intervention.
“We know that a net is the most effective means of saving lives on bridges, but there are other avenues we can take if a net is not feasible or doable for the Quad Cities community,” DeGreVe said.
Mental health experts say research supports the idea that slowing access during a crisis can be life-saving. Angela Cummings, executive director of the Illinois chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said suicidal thoughts often come on quickly and intensely, but can also pass within minutes.
“Anything that slows a person down in their attempt to take their life increases the chance that you’re going to save their life,” Cummings said. “While suicidal feelings come on very, very quickly and very, very intensely, they often pass very quickly as well.”
Cummings said concerns that prevention measures simply move the problem elsewhere are not supported by data. She said research shows people generally do not go on to seek another method when access to their initial plan is blocked.
Community advocates say prevention also depends on awareness, education and support. Valerie Rumler, walk chair for the Out of the Darkness Walk in the Quad Cities, Illinois, said many families affected by suicide struggle to talk openly about their loss.
“A lot of it is they don’t get to talk about them,” Rumler said. “They gather together to talk about them, and there’s a lot of laughter and joy because they get to bring up their loved one.”
Rumler said events like the walk help connect people to mental health resources and remind individuals they are not alone.
The Iowa Department of Transportation said it has received an inquiry from an advocacy group regarding suicide prevention measures on the I-74 Bridge and will consider options in collaboration with partner agencies. The department declined an interview.
Advocates say the focus remains on prevention, education and ensuring people know help is available. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for free and confidential support at any time.