MICHIGAN: New Suicide Prevention Fences Rising atop Ann Arbor Parking Decks

October 27, 2017

News Type:  Weekly Spark, Weekly Spark News
Speaker:  Michigan

Ann Arbor News

The city of Ann Arbor is installing suicide prevention fencing on its downtown public parking decks. In response to recent deaths at area parking garages, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) voted to erect temporary safety fences around the rooftop perimeter of six garages. DDA officials are exploring more permanent fencing options and discussing whether to expand installation to lower levels of parking garages. According to John Greden, founder and executive director of the University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Depression Center, physical barriers can help prevent suicide deaths. “They have been shown to be successful in decreasing suicide rates in high-risk places,” he said, adding that such prevention efforts can help give individuals in crisis an opportunity to get help. “Those individuals then have a chance and opportunity to get treatment.”

Spark Extra! Read more about reducing access to means of suicide.