MASSACHUSETTS: MBTA, Samaritans launch anti-suicide campaign
February 05, 2016
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is working with the Samaritans Inc. of Boston to provide help to people traveling in the subway system who feel depressed or lonely. The new “You Are Not Alone” program will include a message on the MBTA’s LED notification boards every two hours every day from the morning until 9:00 p.m., as well as periodic verbal announcements on the public announcement system. The message will be, “Lonely? Desperate? We can help 24/7” and will include the Samaritans phone and text help line number. The help line number will also be shown on 80 digital screens in seven large subway stations and posted on 400 placards in buses, subways, and commuter rail trains and stations.
Spark Extra! For a suicide prevention campaign in another U.S. metropolitan transportation system, see this example from Los Angeles.