National Suicide Prevention Week
September 7, 2022
September 4th thru September 10th is National Suicide Prevention Week and is aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide, as well as reducing the stigma around talking about mental health.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year. It is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the United States. Sadly, more than 50 percent of the fatalities on SEPTA’s rail system each year are ruled suicides.
To combat these numbers, the Authority has been working to educate riders about assistance that is available for those contemplating suicide and for those with loved ones in need of help. In addition to the car cards on vehicles and call boxes at stations, there are signs located at all SEPTA Regional Rail and rail transit stations inform the public of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, we encourage you to call or text the NEW National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 at anytime for free.
We also encourage riders to contact SEPTA Transit Police by downloading and utilizing the Transit Watch App whenever you see someone is distraught and in distress. You can also contact SEPTA Transit Police with a simple text message to (215) 234-1911.
Be sure to check in and talk to the people in your life to see how they are doing. Ask for help when you need it, and know you are not alone. With help comes hope!
