San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge has towered above the Pacific Ocean since 1937. The bridge, sporting the ‘International Orange’ color and Art Deco elements, has attracted tourists and connected countless commuters to Marin County. Heartbreakingly, the 1.7-mile bridge is also where over 2,000 people have died by suicide. For decades, community members advocated for the installation of a safety net to prevent an intentional, unrestricted fatal leap into the ocean below. In January 2024, 87 years after the Golden Gate Bridge was erected, the Golden Gate Bridge Board of Directors installed safety netting to save lives. Ever committed to suicide prevention, Felton Institute honors this historic step in preserving life and continues our mission to support and empower individuals and their families impacted by suicide attempts and suicide loss.
The installation of the Golden Gate Bridge safety netting was due to the tireless efforts of community activists. Eve Meyer, former executive director of San Francisco Suicide Prevention, (which merged with Felton Institute in 2019) spent decades advocating for the safety net. “The more I worked in the field of suicide,” she recalled, “the more I realized that having a method available increases the probability that a person will die dramatically because suicide tends to be pain related.” She explained, “pain is something that is cyclical and temporary.” Taking away the method and providing support and compassion were paramount in saving lives. “When we no longer demonize people, we are able to help them,” Ms. Meyer emphasized.
The Golden Gate Bridge netting acts as a deterrent, a safety method, and a symbol of compassion. In July, a celebration of the net installation drew community members, politicians and Felton Institute’s LOSS Program Coordinator, Sophia Balestreri. LOSS, a postvention support program in Marin County for those affected by suicide loss and survivors of suicide attempts, provides vital resources and services to individuals, their families, and the community. Ms. Balestreri whose son tragically died by suicide, attended the celebration. The safety netting “is a beautiful testament to the determination of the survivors, the collaboration across multiple organizations and the government doing great work for the people,” she said.
The installation of the net is already saving lives. Over the last 20 years, there have been between 30 and 45 confirmed suicides every year. Since 2023, when the net first began construction, that number went down to 14, a reduction of more than half. Ms. Balestreri said, “The suicide deterrent system is not just a physical barrier to keep people alive, but also a reminder of how much they are wanted in this world.”
Resources
- If you’d like to learn more about Felton Institute’s Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS), you can visit our program page.
- Have you lost someone to suicide? Your experience may help others. Learn about volunteering with Felton Institute’s LOSS Team in Marin County by visiting our program page, reading our Volunteer Brochure, and applying online.
- If you or someone you know is facing challenges, please contact Felton Institute’s San Francisco Suicide Prevention (SFSP) by calling our 24/7 crisis line at (415) 781-0500, or texting (415) 200-2920, or by dialing the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services to transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our award-winning programs, which have been recognized as national models, combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve.
Founded in 1889, Felton is the oldest secular non-profit social services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. We have expanded our services across most Bay Area counties and continue to be at the forefront of pioneering new approaches to meet the emerging needs of underserved populations.
We know what it looks like to successfully build community.
We foster impactful change by strengthening the community as a premiere service provider. We also strengthen other service providers by supporting them in their fiscal, human resources, communications, IT and overall agency operations. With Felton’s support, they are able to focus on providing the best services to their clients, doing the work they were meant to do.
Felton empowers the community and ensures successful outcomes to all we engage with.
Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.