NJ Transit military group unveils buses with a message of hope for struggling vets

Two NJ Transit buses hit the road this month wrapped with a lifesaving message, highlighting the national suicide prevention hotline.

The buses were publicly unveiled in a ceremony at Newark Penn Station Monday morning to recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. One of the buses contains a message targeted at military veterans , reminding them: "Your country still needs you."

Both buses include the national toll-free 988 hotline for people who might be contemplating suicide to get help immediately and to get resources for veterans.

In 2020, the most recent year for which statistics are available, 679 people died by suicide in New Jersey, according to state Department of Health Statistics , a higher number than the 587 people killed in traffic fatalities that year.

Of those who died by suicide that year, 58 were veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs .

"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 Kevin Corbett, NJ Transit CEO, who also served in the U.S. Navy. "Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of our customers, employees, and the broader community."

The bus wraps were commissioned by Military to Mobility, the new NJ Transit Military Company Employee Resource Group. One of the buses will be deployed in north Jersey and the other in south Jersey.

The Military to Mobility group commissioned 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 Fran O'Connor, state Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit board chairman. "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."

If you or a loved one is contemplating suicide: Call or text 988, or chat988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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