Two Bucks County lawmakers have cosponsored a bill they hope will help with the prevention of suicides in the state’s parks and forests, writes Cassie Miller for Lehigh Valley Live.

State Representatives Kristin Marcell and Kathleen “KC” Tomlinson introduced legislation that requires suicide prevention information to be posted at state parks and forest facilities across Pennsylvania.

“We hope more awareness can help save lives,” said Marcell.

In the last 13 years, there have been 164 suicides in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.

“If there is even a small chance this action will result in a person choosing not to end his or her life, it is clearly a step worth taking,” added Marcell.

House Bill 1705 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prominently place information about 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and suicide awareness in the 124 state parks and 20 forest districts it oversees.

The two lawmakers said they were spurred into action by the suicide of 21-year-old Lindsey Piccone at Tyler State Park in Bucks County in 2016.

“In honor of Lindsey, we need to show people that hope and help are available,” said Tomlinson.

Read more about the bill at Lehigh Valley Live.

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