LIRR to install additional suicide prevention signage at Rockville Centre Station
The LIRR agreed to install suicide prevention signs like these on floors, where a suicidal person is more likely to see them. Credit: Neil Miller
A Rockville Centre couple whose son took his life at a train station is working with the Long Island Rail Road and elected officials to prevent other suicides on the LIRR.
John and Mary O’Shea gathered with officials at the Rockville Centre LIRR station on Thursday to announce the railroad has agreed to a pilot program involving new suicide prevention signage at the facility.
Ryan O’Shea, 18, died by suicide on Jan. 11, 2019, when he put himself in the path of an oncoming train in Rockville Centre. Following the tragedy, his family created the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation with the goal of raising awareness about mental health issues and preventing suicides.
The foundation, working with local lawmakers, convinced the LIRR to try a new strategy in its suicide prevention efforts. The LIRR plans to install adhesive signs on the station’s platform floors that will include the message: "Your pain is real, but so is hope," and the number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988.
Although the LIRR already has suicide prevention signs at stations, the O’Shea family urged the railroad to install them on the floor, where they said a suicidal person is more likely to see them.
"These signs will save lives by offering help to those who are struggling with mental health issues," John O’Shea said. "We all go through tough times, and understanding that there is a place to turn to and someone to talk to is lifesaving."
LIRR spokesman David Steckel confirmed "a decal will be installed at the bottom of each staircase" at Rockville Centre. He said there is no definite date of installation, but the O’Shea family said they expect the signs to be installed next week.
The 4-feet-by-4-feet signs will be laminated and remain in place for at least six months, according to John O’Shea, who said he hopes to one day see the signs at all 126 of the LIRR’s stations.
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available via call or text at 988.
A Rockville Centre couple whose son took his life at a train station is working with the Long Island Rail Road and elected officials to prevent other suicides on the LIRR.
John and Mary O’Shea gathered with officials at the Rockville Centre LIRR station on Thursday to announce the railroad has agreed to a pilot program involving new suicide prevention signage at the facility.
Ryan O’Shea, 18, died by suicide on Jan. 11, 2019, when he put himself in the path of an oncoming train in Rockville Centre. Following the tragedy, his family created the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation with the goal of raising awareness about mental health issues and preventing suicides.
The foundation, working with local lawmakers, convinced the LIRR to try a new strategy in its suicide prevention efforts. The LIRR plans to install adhesive signs on the station’s platform floors that will include the message: "Your pain is real, but so is hope," and the number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988.
Although the LIRR already has suicide prevention signs at stations, the O’Shea family urged the railroad to install them on the floor, where they said a suicidal person is more likely to see them.
"These signs will save lives by offering help to those who are struggling with mental health issues," John O’Shea said. "We all go through tough times, and understanding that there is a place to turn to and someone to talk to is lifesaving."
LIRR spokesman David Steckel confirmed "a decal will be installed at the bottom of each staircase" at Rockville Centre. He said there is no definite date of installation, but the O’Shea family said they expect the signs to be installed next week.
The 4-feet-by-4-feet signs will be laminated and remain in place for at least six months, according to John O’Shea, who said he hopes to one day see the signs at all 126 of the LIRR’s stations.
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available via call or text at 988.
Alfonso Castillo has been reporting for Newsday since 1999 and covering the transportation beat since 2008. He grew up in the Bronx and Queens and now lives in Valley Stream with his wife and two sons.
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