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NJ TRANSIT UNVEILS SPECIAL BUS WRAPS IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

NJ TRANSIT Helps Raise Awareness of Suicide Prevention, Especially Among Veterans, at Ceremony Unveiling Bus Wraps

September 23, 2024

NEWARK, NJ — This September, NJ TRANSIT is recognizing National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with two special bus wraps calling attention to the national crisis and providing resources for veterans and anyone who might be contemplating suicide.

Calling special attention to our military veterans, the bus wraps, commissioned by Military to Mobility (M2M), the new NJ TRANSIT Military Company Employee Resource Group (CERG), were unveiled during a ceremony outside of Newark Penn Station. The Suicide Prevention Hotline is also visible on the bus wrap. The specially wrapped buses hit the road earlier in September with one in north Jersey and the other in south Jersey. The M2M CERG chose to commission the wraps as a way to show its support for colleagues and fellow veterans who may struggle to cope with their military experiences.

"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,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Fran O’Connor. “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.”

“NJ TRANSIT is honored to support National Suicide Prevention Month, highlighting critical resources that can save lives, particularly for veterans who face unique challenges,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of our customers, employees, and the broader community.”

The bus wraps unveiled today include the national toll-free hotline to get help immediately if you or a loved one are contemplating suicide: Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), warning signs of suicide can include:

  • Increased alcohol and drug use
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Withdrawal from friends, family and community
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Impulsive or reckless behavior

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 263 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.