Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a serious public health problem that takes an enormous toll on families, friends, classmates, co-workers and communities. The suicides that occur on the Caltrain right of way impact hundreds of people, from the riders on board the train or waiting at the station, to the engineer and conductor operating the train. Service can be delayed for several hours as emergency personnel attend to the scene and law enforcement officials investigate the event. Even Caltrain’s administrative personnel feel the impact of these tragic incidents.

But suicide can be prevented. Help is available. The following agencies are a valuable resource for anyone facing a mental health crisis.

Suicide Prevention Resources

• San Francisco County
• San Mateo County
• Santa Clara County

Crisis Text Line:

To find out more, visit http://www.crisistextline.org/

Caltrain has formed a new partnership with Crisis Text Line, a service that offers free, 24/7 anonymous counseling for individuals who may be depressed, having suicidal thoughts or suffering from a mental disorder.

Here’s How it Works:

1. A person in crisis should text the word BAY to 741741
2. A live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds quickly.
3. The crisis counselor helps the individual stay cool, calm, safe and healthy by using effective active listening and suggested referrals—all through text messages on the line’s secure platform. The goal response time is five minutes.

Suicide is the primary cause of rail-related deaths on Caltrain, so we care deeply about these issues. For nearly a decade, Caltrain has been partnered with numerous behavioral and mental health organizations on outreach, awareness and support campaigns. The Crisis Text Line can be another vital resource for those in need.

Education, Research & Advocacy

Media Guidelines

The factors contributing to suicide and its prevention are complex and not fully understood, but there is evidence that the media can play a significant role. Unfortunately, vulnerable individuals may be influenced to engage in imitative behaviors by reports of suicide, particularly if the coverage is extensive, sensationalist or explicitly describes the method of suicide. On the other hand, responsible reporting can educate the public about suicide and encourage those at risk of suicide to seek help.

A group of suicide prevention organizations and public health experts, in collaboration with journalists and news organizations, have developed a set of guidelines for reporters covering stories about suicide.

Download the Media Guidelines (PDF, 980KB)

11/29/16 - dt/rjc