BART Tackles Growing Suicide Problem

SOURCE: CONTRA COSTA TIMES

April 14--BERKELEY -- Reacting to a growing number of suicides and attempts, BART on Tuesday revealed a "Suicide is not the route" campaign focused first on trying to help people think twice before acting.

The campaign slogan will appear on large posters around the system with the message "If you are struggling emotionally or thinking of suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK."

The number leads through a national referral site that will connect callers to around-the-clock free and confidential counseling at suicide-prevention centers in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa and Alameda counties.

"I wish had seen such a poster," the survivor of a leap from the Golden Gate Bridge said at a news conference at the Berkeley BART station as speeding trains braked to a stop a few feet away.

"'Are you OK? Is something wrong? Can I help you?' These are the words I desperately needed to hear," said Kevin Hines, who survived his leap in 2000. .................(more)

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