After Suicides At County Parks, Prevention Task Force Places Signs

Officials want those who come to Bucks County parks considering suicide to see a sign.

The county’s parks have been the site of numerous suicides and suicide attempts over the years. In 2018, Lower Bucks County parks saw three suicides in one week.

According to Pennsylvania Department of Health data, Bucks County has averaged 12.2 suicides per 100,000 residents in recent years. That number is a slight decline over previous years.

Over the years, the county has worked to tackle deaths by suicide through forming the Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force and working to reduce the stigma while coordinating activities between health care providers, law enforcement, schools, government, and area organizations. Bucks County Rangers, who patrol parks, have been recognized for helping those dealing with thoughts of suicide.

The new signs appearing at county parks promote suicide prevention resources. The first of the signs was posted during a short ceremony earlier this month at Core Creek Park in Middletown Township.

“Signs, when I think about them, always provide us with direction. This one is a little bit different. It reaches out and puts its arms around you. And then, it tells you what to do with hope and feeling,” said Bucks Commissioners Chairperson Diane Ellis-Marseglia.

She added that the sign was designed with thoughtfulness and to be of the most help.

Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force member Wendy Flanigan said the sign has the national suicide prevention hot line number, which is locally operated by the Family Service Association of Bucks County.

“The nice thing about having the local agency answer that number is they know our local resources,” she said.

“This sign isn’t just for the person who is struggling. This is for the family members and friends and anybody who is involved in somebody’s life and may not understand the gravity of what we have to deal with every day,” said Nick Emeigh, the director of outreach and development at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Bucks County and a survivor of suicide attempts himself.

“This is a resource for people to help them and help them realize they do matter. There are people who want them to have a full and rich life,” Commissioner Bob Harvie said.

Bucks County General Services Director Kevin Spencer noted the importance of the sign and said staff will be installing them across the county soon.

Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo congratulated everyone who worked to get the signs up at the parks.

“If this sign and all the signs at the parks saves just one life, then it is absolutely worth all the effort,” he said.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, the National Crisis Line can be reached day or night at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Bucks County also operates an around-the-clock crisis line at 1-800-499-7455.

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