SAVE to host public meeting on status of temporary suicide prevention barriers and deterrents

Longstanding safety problems with key public structure in Minnesota require an immediate temporary solution to protect public health and lives

Bloomington, MN – Minnesota-based non-profit SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education will host a public meeting on Tuesday, October 22, 6-8 p.m. to update the public about temporary suicide prevention barriers and deterrents.

As part of Kayla’s HOPE – Helping Others, Protecting Everyone, an initiative that began when M.J. (Weiss) Blair lost her daughter Kayla Gaebel to suicide on a landmark Minnesota public structure, SAVE is urging policymakers at Hennepin County and the University of Minnesota to take immediate action to address temporary measures to prevent suicide.

“We are grateful for the collaboration we have had with the University of Minnesota, the Governor’s Office, and Democratic and Republican state senators and representatives to address a permanent solution to this public safety crisis,” said Erich Mische, CEO of SAVE. “However, while we continue to work toward a permanent solution, we cannot delay any longer a temporary solution to protect young people and the public at this site.”

Citizens have been concerned about this particular site’s lack of safe railings and deterrents for more than 40 years. Every year, three to five lives are lost to suicide on this structure, with numerous attempts happening far too often.

SAVE has invited representatives from Hennepin County, the University of Minnesota, and the State of Minnesota to attend the Oct. 22 meeting to update the public on progress to install temporary barriers and deterrents.

Since partnering earlier this year, SAVE and Kayla’s HOPE have been advocating for permanent barriers and educating policymakers and the public on the need for suicide prevention barriers at problem sites. SAVE worked alongside the University of Minnesota, legislators from both parties, the Governor’s Office, and others to secure $15 million in bonding authority for these safety measures, but despite the inclusion of this funding in both the House and Senate bills, late-session politics prevented the bill from reaching a final vote. As a result, no funds were authorized, and no plans for construction are underway.

Since the session ended, SAVE and Kayla’s HOPE have tirelessly urged the University of Minnesota and Hennepin County to install temporary barriers or implement other proven measures to restrict access to dangerous areas of the structure. Even if funding had been approved, the installation of permanent barriers would take 24 to 36 months. While we await a long-term solution, action is urgently needed.

Coinciding with this meeting, SAVE is proud to announce that Kayla’s HOPE has become a permanent SAVE initiative. The Kayla’s HOPE Project will broaden its scope to include lethal means safety initiatives in Minnesota and nationwide, including distributing cable gun locks, providing free lock boxes for prescription medications, and other tools and tactics. SAVE will also continue advocating for funding to improve lethal means safety initiatives and measures at local, state and national levels.

Register today to join this critical meeting, and thank you for staying engaged as we officially fold the Kayla’s HOPE Project into our mission of preventing suicide and saving lives.