CSX On-Hand for the Launch of "Txt 4 Help"

Washington, DC — Skip Elliott, CSX VP, Public Safety and Environment, was on hand at a recent press conference to help announce the launch of "Txt 4 Help," a new 24-hour text-for-support service from National Safe Place (NSP).

"Today, a young person in crisis need only remember SAFE 69866 to get help," said Elliot. "Whether that young person has run away, is thinking about running away, or if they're trying to resolve a difficult, dangerous, or threatening situation on their own, Safe Place can help."

By texting their current location to the number 69866, teens will receive an address for the closest Safe Place site and a contact number for a local youth shelter. In cities that don't yet have a Safe Place program, the youth will receive the number for a national hotline.

Almost 90 percent of teens have regular access to a mobile phone, and 66 percent of those teens prefer text-messaging to calling. "We strongly believe that by communicating to youth in a way that they're comfortable with, we will reach thousands more youth needing help than we have in the past," said Linda Rutherford, chair of the National Safe Place board of directors. "We are hopeful that this program will encourage teens to ask for help and discourage them from running away."

CSX is proud to be a long-time sponsor of National Safe Place. Headquartered in Louisville, KY, NSP provides training and technical assistance for youth service agencies and businesses interested in developing a Safe Place program. Safe Places provide access to immediate help and safety for all young people in crisis through a public-private network of more than 16,000 sites across the country. For more information, visit www.nationalsafeplace.org.