Sunita Somvanshi
NJ TRANSIT, a transport agency owned by New Jersey State, is gearing up creative campaigns in light of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, observed in September every year. As part of it, the agency has unveiled two specially wrapped buses imprinted with a vital message of hope and support.
These eye-catching bus wraps were revealed during a ceremony hosted at Newark Penn Station. These buses are commissioned by Military to Mobility (M2M), which is part of NJ TRANSIT’s new Military Company Employee Resource Group (CERG). These moving billboards raise awareness about the national suicide crisis and provide essential resources for veterans and anyone contemplating suicide.
One bus will operate in northern Jersey, while the other will serve the southern section, ensuring the message reaches a wide audience across the state. The wraps prominently display the Suicide Prevention Hotline number, 988, making it easily visible to passersby.
This simple, easy-to-remember number connects individuals in crisis directly to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline control room. By calling, texting, or visiting 988 lifeline.org, people can ask for immediate help and support.
A Lifeline on Wheels
Kevin S. Corbett, NJ TRANSIT President & CEO and a U.S. Navy veteran, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “NJ TRANSIT is honoured to support National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting the critical resources that can save lives, particularly for veterans who face unique challenges. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of our customers, employees, and the broader community.”
A few bus wraps pay special attention to military veterans, acknowledging the distinct struggles they may face. Messages like “Your country still needs you” serve as a powerful reminder of their continued importance and value to society.
This focus on veterans is particularly crucial given the alarming statistics. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2020, 58 veterans in New Jersey alone died by suicide. Nationally, the suicide rate among veterans is significantly higher than that of the general population, with 31.6 out of 100,000 veterans dying by suicide.
The importance of such initiatives becomes even clearer when we look at the broader picture. According to recent statistics released by the Department of Health, the average annual suicide count among New Jersey residents is about 740 and there are about twice as many suicides as homicides in the state.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for awareness and the presence of accessible resources. By bringing this message to the streets, NJ TRANSIT is taking a proactive role in combating this public health crisis.
Breaking the Stigma
New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Fran O’Connor commented on the progress made in addressing mental health issues: “We have come a long way in the U.S. in reducing the stigma of mental health, including among our veterans. But any death by suicide is one too many. I am proud of NJ TRANSIT’s campaign to increase the visibility of mental health challenges and support for suicide prevention for our customers, our brave veterans, and our employees. Help is available.”
This initiative represents a significant step forward in normalising conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. By placing these messages on public transportation, NJ TRANSIT is bringing this crucial topic into the daily lives of thousands of commuters and travellers.
As part of the campaign, NJ TRANSIT is also educating about the warning signs of suicide. This campaign educates individuals to recognise if someone is in need of help.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the early warning signs of suicide can be:
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- Aggressive behaviour
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
- Dramatic mood swings
- Impulsive or reckless behaviour
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The Power of Public Awareness Campaigns
Researchers believe public awareness campaigns can be an effective strategy for reducing suicide rates. A study published in the Journal of the Education and Health Promotion found that media campaigns promoting mental health services increase the numbers of help-seekers and significantly reduce suicide rates.
Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “Mental health is part of all of our lives, it’s part of human health just like physical health is, and it’s not only about addressing mental illness but it’s about managing our mental health in the most proactive ways possible, you know, through combinations of self-care and treatment when necessary.”
NJ TRANSIT’s initiative is part of a growing trend of mental health awareness campaigns in public transportation systems. For example, New York City’s “You Are Not Alone” campaign on subways and buses has been successful in raising awareness and providing resources for mental health support.
The UK’s “Every Mind Matters” campaign by the Public Health Department uses public transportation ads promoting mental health awareness, demonstrating the universal nature of this important issue.
As this campaign rolls out across New Jersey, it serves as a reminder that everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. By sharing information about mental health resources, supporting those who may be struggling, and advocating for mental health initiatives in our communities we can all contribute to this vital cause.
If you know if someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide, remember help is always available. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Your life matters, and there are people ready to support you through difficult times.
By bringing this crucial message to the streets, NJ TRANSIT is doing more than providing transportation—it’s potentially saving lives, one bus ride at a time.
