FRA solicits applicants for suicide prevention grant funds

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) yesterday announced the availability of $293,000 in competitive grant funds for Railroad Trespassing Suicide Prevention Program projects.

The agency is soliciting grant applications from organizations that focus on suicide prevention or mental health assistance to implement activities that reduce railroad-related suicide. Nonprofits and railroads may apply for the grants.

Projects eligible for funding will implement specific actions narrowly tailored from reducing suicides that involve railroad trespassing. Examples include training staff to identify at-risk individuals and intervene, raising awareness of services and launching public awareness campaigns.

Selected grant recipients will be awarded a maximum of $100,000. 

"Every year, hundreds of people attempt to commit suicide using the U.S. rail system, and data analysis suggests that 50 percent or more of fatal trespass incidents are suicides," said FRA Administrator Ronald Batory in a press release. "We believe that allied organizations working together can reduce such incidents. These grants will strengthen existing partnerships and create new ones to help deter and prevent needless tragedies."

The notice of funding opportunity exemplifies approaches outlined in the FRA's National Strategy to Prevent Trespassing on Railroad Property.