SEPTA posts suicide prevention signs at stations

LANGHORNE, Pa. (WPVI) -- SEPTA is continuing its suicide prevention campaign.

Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia stood with SEPTA officials Thursday in Langhorne as they unveiled new signs displaying a hotline number for those in need to call.

She knows what it's like to lose a child to suicide. Ellis-Marseglia lost her daughter to suicide 10 years ago.

"There are lots of different things we need to do to prevent suicide, but this is a pretty important one," Ellis-Marseglia said.

About 50% of deaths on SEPTA's rail system every year are ruled to be suicides.

In 2011, after 11 suicides on the tracks, SEPTA officials decided they needed to do something more.

In September, Suicide Prevention Month, SEPTA began working with local municipalities to put up the signs.

"We hope the sign will increase awareness on this very important issue and spur conversation among SEPTA's customers, friends and neighbors," SEPTA Chief Safety Officer Scott Sauer said.

With the installation of the signs at the Langhorne station, the hotline number is now posted at all SEPTA locations.

"This is not a topic that people want to talk about. It can be an ugly topic and SEPTA has taken it on and said, 'We are not afraid. We're going to try to help people,'" Ellis-Marseglia said.

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you need help, the phone number to call is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

"At that last moment, that's like your last lifeline to talk to someone who might be able to talk you down. Everyone has cell phones today so it's simple. You just can make that one more call," Ellis-Marseglia said.