The Perrine Bridge, a 486-foot structure spanning the Snake River Canyon, is renowned for its base jumping attraction. However, to follow such joy comes a consequence: the bridge is also known for its allure to suicide.  

In 2023, Idaho had the 4th-highest suicide rate within the United States, with 457 Idahoans committing suicide. Many people are choosing to ‘solve this problem’ by calling it a “suicide contagion,” focusing on calling out the attitude of suicidal people as contagious, the action as infectious. The directive has been to avoid sensationalizing deaths and instead promote resources. This is only half the battle. Attempting to avoid sensationalizing suicide often results in the subject being avoided completely. The fear behind avoiding this subject is that if we don’t talk about this problem, then we’re not responsible when someone makes that choice; we don’t get blamed, and we don’t offend anybody. It’s the fear of being held accountable for the actions of others that keeps us silent, the fear that if we speak out, it’ll continue to spread, like a disease. 

One way we can help is by changing the conversation around suicide, being more open and direct about the subject. Another practical solution that could bring immediate results would be the installation of SDNS, a Suicide Deterrent Net System that catches those who jump. Interviews of survivors who jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge, located in San Francisco, California, have all been said to instantly regret it. After the installation of the SDNS, suicide by jumping off the bridge has reduced by 73%, allowing suicide attempters a second chance at life.  

But in Twin Falls, Idaho, on the Perrine Bridge, those who jump are not given a second chance; a second chance to recollect their thoughts, their feelings, and determine if they truly wish to end their life. Installing an SDNS wouldn’t solve the ‘problem’ of suicide; people are still bound to do what they choose, but installing a net would mean a second chance for these individuals to fully grasp what they were about to do, and whether they want to go through with it. High chances are, they’ll regret their decisions, as many have claimed, and turn back. 

If we’re going to treat suicide like a disease, then shouldn’t we provide an antibiotic to help prevent that ‘disease’ from spreading? Antibiotics aren’t a surefire way to stop the spread of something, but they offer a fighting chance to move forward with the hope of recovery. In this case, the SDNS would be the antibiotic for suicide in the Twin Falls District.