Rail service to showcase comedy in-station, encourage messages of positivity and highlight community mental health resources throughout May
MIAMI (May 12, 2022) – Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, is commemorating Mental Health Awareness Month (May 1-31) by encouraging its guests and teammates to “Have a Bright Day.” During the month of May, the company will aim to brighten the days of its team and guests through a series of activations including comedy videos, mental health awareness resources, lighthearted “Have A Bright Day” postcards and other surprise words of encouragement placed throughout the stations and onboard the trains.
“Mental health awareness is a priority for Brightline,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “Throughout the month of May, our goal is to remind our guests and teammates to take care of their emotional and social well-being and to support them by providing tools and resources for mental health, as well as using comedy and encouragement as a reminder to stay on the bright side!”
Laughter has both mental and physical benefits, reducing stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, while also benefiting the cardiovascular system. Brightline will spread the positive effects of laughter with comedy videos throughout the station provided by one of Miami’s top comedians, Brittany Brave. The videos, which will pay tribute to Miami-isms, will be on display all month long on the TV screens located at the Mary Mary bars of each station.
Keeping mental health awareness top of mind, Brightline is encouraging guests and staff to brighten someone’s day by writing to friends and family on a signature “Have a Bright Day” postcard or simply keeping it handy when they need a positive boost in their day. The complimentary postcards will be available at the customer service desks at each station and distributed onboard all trains. “Have a Bright Day” postcards are part of a new Brightline collection that will change seasonally. These postcards will encourage guests to check in on friends and family and provide a loving surprise to people around the country.
Riders will also receive messages of encouragement from the Brightline team throughout their travel experience. These messages will be displayed on floor decals throughout MiamiCentral, as well as on coffee sleeves and take-home coasters and stickers.
To kick off the month, Brightline will also launch a dedicated web page that highlights mental health resources in South Florida, and beyond, including 211, the Dr. Brandt Foundation and others.
“Laughter does more than brighten our day. Studies show that laughter has meaningful short-term and long-term impacts on our mental health,” said Sheila Smith, President/CEO at 211 Broward, a nonprofit helpline that offers 24 hour listening support and connections to community services. “We are proud to continue partnering with Brightline to bring awareness to the mental health resources available in our community and encourage people to utilize them in May and throughout the year.”
Brightline will offer additional mental health-centered activities throughout Mental Health Awareness Month. For more information on happenings during the month of May, visit www.gobrightline.com.
