By En USA news

SFRTA presents a suicide prevention program 

in collaboration with Henderson Behavioral Health

Florida ranked second nationally for railroad intrusion accidents in 2025, with 65 fatalities and 70 injuries. On the South Florida Rail Corridor, shared by Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and CSXT, there were 12 pedestrian collisions in 2025, nine of which were fatal. This trend has continued into 2026, with Tri-Rail reporting 14 intrusion incidents to date, 10 of them fatal. 

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) has announced a new collaboration with Henderson Behavioral Health to implement a comprehensive suicide prevention initiative aimed at reducing railroad trespassing incidents throughout South Florida.

“This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Marci Woodward, Vice Mayor of Palm Beach County and Chair of the SFRTA. “Every life lost on our rail corridor is an irreplaceable loss. By working with Henderson Behavioral Health, we are taking a proactive, people-centered approach focused not only on prevention, but also on providing hope, awareness, and intervention where needed.”

With support from a $56,500 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the program will combine targeted public education campaigns with specialized training for SFRTA employees, contractors, and regional partners. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the dangers of trespassing on railroad tracks, identify warning signs in people in crisis, and provide frontline personnel with the tools they need to respond effectively and empathetically.

“For more than 70 years, Henderson Behavioral Health has been dedicated to supporting people wherever they are and removing barriers to accessing healthcare,” said Dr. Steven Ronik, CEO of Henderson Behavioral Health. “This important partnership with Tri-Rail allows us to raise awareness of the services available to those going through difficult times. It’s normal not to be okay; you don’t have to face it alone. You’ll find support and help here.”

According to FRA data, Florida ranked second nationally for railroad intrusion accidents in 2025, with 65 fatalities and 70 injuries. On the South Florida Rail Corridor, shared by Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and CSXT, there were 12 pedestrian collisions in 2025, nine of which resulted in fatalities. This trend has continued into 2026, with Tri-Rail reporting 14 intrusion incidents to date, 10 of them fatal.

“Our goal is not only to prevent tragedies, but also to foster a culture of awareness and solidarity,” Woodward added. “This program seeks to save lives through education, compassion, and meaningful collaborations.”

The SFRTA encourages the public to respect railway boundaries and seek help for themselves or anyone in danger. Further information about this initiative can be found at  www.tri-rail.com  and on Tri-Rail's social media channels.

About SFRTA:
The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) is a public transportation agency responsible for providing and improving regional transportation services throughout South Florida. The agency seeks to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable transportation options in one of the nation's fastest-growing urban areas. SFRTA works in partnership with local governments and other transportation agencies to expand services, improve infrastructure, and ensure safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for riders.

About Henderson Behavioral Health

Henderson Behavioral Health (HBH) is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit behavioral health care systems in South Florida. Since 1953, HBH has helped hundreds of thousands of children, adults, and families. Its mission is to be the leading provider of accessible, affordable, and high-quality behavioral health services for the people of South Florida, promoting their mental health and well-being. HBH has maintained the highest level of accreditation from CARF (Commission on Accrediting Rehabilitation Facilities) for thirty consecutive years. For more information, visit  www.hendersonbh.org  .