North Charleston Installs QR Codes on Overpasses to Help Those in Mental Health Crisis – WCIV

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by Nic Bass
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — North Charleston city leaders have installed new QR code signs along the Ashley Phosphate Road overpass, offering a message of hope in a high-traffic area and a direct connection to help for those experiencing mental health struggles.
Mayor Reggie Burgess, Councilwoman Rhonda Jerome, and other officials unveiled the signs Tuesday, saying the city recognized a need to do more to support people in crisis.
Officials say the QR codes are designed to provide immediate access to resources, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Anyone in need can scan the code or call the number listed on the sign to get help.
City leaders intentionally placed the signs along Ashley Phosphate Road, a heavily traveled corridor where jump barriers were installed about a year ago as a preventative safety measure.
For Mayor Burgess, the effort is deeply personal.
“I experienced suicide in my family. I've always said how I could go back to talk to my brother in 1989 and 1999 to keep him from making that decision,” Burgess said. “If we can save a life or even cause attention to a life that feels like, ‘I want to give up, nobody cares about me,’ we care about our people—not only people in North Charleston, anybody,” he said
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Councilwoman Jerome echoed that urgency.
“One suicide is too many,” she said.
Officials also highlighted the broader impact of suicides involving overpasses, noting the lasting trauma it can cause for others.
“When you have a suicide off of a bridge," Jerome said, "it doesn't only affect the person in the car or truck that the body hits, but also the public safety members who have to respond. It’s traumatizing."
Police say the QR codes are already making a difference. North Charleston Police Officer Christopher Brasseux said he recently responded to a call involving a man experiencing suicidal thoughts.
“He did mention that earlier in the day he came to this very overpass where he saw the barriers and then utilized a sign to contact 988,” Brasseux said.
The signs are now installed at the Ashley Phosphate Road, Weber Drive, and Aviation Avenue overpasses.
City leaders say the message behind the effort is simple: help is available, and every life is worth saving.
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