Citing Mental Health Crises, Officials Hope To Improve Cell Phone Service Atop South Bay Bridge

SAN PEDRO, CA — A Los Angeles County official is urging the state to take action to improve cellphone service atop a South Bay bridge for people who may be experiencing mental health crises.

In a letter to California officials last week, Supervisor Janice Hahn urged the Department of Transportation to mitigate poor cellphone service issues on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro.

“I worry about someone standing on the bridge and choosing to call the Suicide Crisis Line, 988, or a family member, only to discover that they don’t have the cell signal necessary to make that lifesaving call for help,” Hahn said in the letter on Tuesday, Sept. 2

People have tried to kill themselves in the past by jumping off the bridge, according to county officials. Top Gun Director and Beverly Hills resident Tony Scott infamously jumped off the bridge to his death in 2012.

SEE ALSO: September is Suicide Prevention Month: You are not alone

Previous efforts have been made in the past to prevent suicide attempts from the bridge, according to county officials. Those efforts include fencing and signs with the Suicide Crisis Line phone number.

But county officials say those efforts have fallen short and failed to prevent all attempts.

“You can put all the fencing and signage up you want, but if someone standing on that bridge chooses to make the call for help and can’t because of a bad connection, the result could be devastating,” Hahn said. "We urgently need to make sure everyone can reach them at all times.”

The action comes as Hahn and other county supervisors moved to establish Sept. 8 as 9-8-8 Day, the number for the Suicide Crisis Line. They also moved to establish September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

County officials say suicide was the third leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 24 in Los Angeles County and the 14th leading cause among all residents in 2023.

"Preventing suicide means all of us play an active role by looking out for those in our circle and in our communities," Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, said in a statement. "This month and throughout the year, we must stay connected, pay attention to warning signs, and be a trusted friend and system of support to our loved ones and neighbors."

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, please consider using one of these free and confidential services:

• Advocates Mobile Crisis Intervention: Call 800-640-5432
• Behavioral Health Help Line: Call or Text 833-773-2445
• MA Substance Use Helpline: Call 800-327-5050; Text HOPE to 800327
• National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call: 988; Text: 838255
• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support): Call 866-488-7386; Text START to 678678