The bridge phone inside New York City’s suicide-prevention call center rings only about once a month. But when it does, often in the middle of the night, it emits distinct, deep chirps — as if the phone itself is in distress. The operators manning the 24/7 LifeNet hotline recognize the sound immediately. It means someone’s calling from one of the 11 area bridges, and they’re likely thinking about jumping.
LifeNet, a mental-health and suicide-prevention hotline servicing the New York City metropolitan area, is one of 161 call centers that make up the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network…