Samaritans Southcoast Marks 988’s Third Anniversary

As the nation marks the third anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on July 16, Samaritans Southcoast proudly reflects on its remarkable impact in preventing suicide and supporting mental health across Bristol and Norfolk counties, and provided backup hotline services to Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket, and Worcester Counties — achievements made possible by decades of dedication and strong partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

For 42 years, Samaritans Southcoast has been a trusted source of compassionate, nonjudgmental support for individuals in crisis. Yet the past three years — since the launch of 988 — have brought the most profound impact in the organization’s history, thanks in large part to DPH’s commitment to helping Samaritans Southcoast meet the growing needs of the community and to promoting 988 so it becomes as universally recognized for mental health crises as 911 is for medical emergencies.

By the Numbers: Saving Lives, Strengthening Communities

Since 2022, Samaritans Southcoast has:

• Answered 39,500 calls through 988, averaging at least a 91% call answer rate, ensuring someone is always there to listen and help.
• Developed 2,370 safety plans with callers, helping them navigate immediate crises on their own and reflect on a plan to stay safe.
• Sent emergency rescue for 64 individuals actively attempting suicide, directly saving lives.
• Warm transferred 93 people to Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) teams, keeping them out of crowded emergency rooms and connecting them with therapeutic care right where they are.
• Referred 2,054 callers to the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline, offered resources and referrals, or transferred to a subnetwork, like the Substance Use Helpline, ensuring they receive longer-term, specialized support.
• Helped 21,244 callers experience a reduced level of distress by the end of their conversation with a crisis counselor, showing the immediate power of simply being heard.

These life-saving interventions have contributed to a 36% reduction in suicide deaths in Bristol County and a 22% reduction in Norfolk County since 988’s launch, far outpacing statewide and nationwide trends.

Building a Culture of Hope, Education, and Connection
Beyond the hotline, Samaritans Southcoast has reached tens of thousands of families, youth, seniors, and veterans through a wide range of outreach and partnerships. The organization has engaged students at the the Fall River, Stoughton, and Weymouth Public Schools and Bristol Community College and Bridgewater State University; partnered with Coastline Elder Services, Peabody Properties in New Bedford and Fairhaven, and the Fall River Housing Authority; collaborated with the Veterans Association of Bristol County, NAMI Bristol County, and the Norfolk County Suicide Prevention Coalition; and participated in countless community events and block parties across Southeastern Massachusetts to spread awareness and reduce stigma.

A cornerstone of Samaritans Southcoast’s mission is also education and workforce development. Over the past three years, the organization has helped train and mentor 116 student interns — undergraduate and MSW students from Bridgewater State University, UMass Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, Roger Williams University, Simmons University School of Social Work, among others — equipping the next generation of mental health professionals and advocates.

At the same time, Samaritans Southcoast has supported more than 180 survivors of suicide loss through its Safe Place program, helping individuals and families find hope and healing after devastating loss.

Samaritans Southcoast also proudly maintains a three-year accreditation from the International Council for Helplines and has achieved compliance through Vibrant Emotional Health’s Exchange Network, reflecting the highest standards in crisis response.

“Our mission is simple but profound: no one should face a moment of crisis alone,” said Darcy H. Lee, Executive Director of Samaritans Southcoast. “Because of the strong partnership and investment from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, we’ve been able to answer nearly 40,000 calls, build over 2,300 personalized safety plans, send help when lives hung in the balance, connect more than 2,000 people to longer-term care, and most powerfully — help over 21,000 people feel less distressed by the time they hung up the phone. That is the heart of what we do.”

Looking Ahead: Keeping the Promise of 988
As Samaritans Southcoast looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide 24/7, free, confidential support through the 988 hotline and promote the use of the 988 text, chat, and ASL videophone. The organization will continue expanding training for schools, first responders, and community leaders, and deepen outreach so that every person — regardless of age, identity, or circumstance — knows they are never alone.

“988 is more than a number; it’s a promise woven into the fabric of our region and the future of crisis intervention services nationwide,” said Lee. “As a leader in Massachusetts in providing these life-saving services, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and remain committed to strengthening our crisis response foundation so that every individual feels seen, heard, and supported.”

About Samaritans Southcoast
For 42 years, Samaritans Southcoast has served Massachusetts with a mission to prevent suicide, provide 24/7 crisis support, and foster hope and healing. As a trusted 988 center accredited by the International Council for Helplines, Samaritans Southcoast partners with schools, colleges, housing authorities, veteran organizations, NAMI chapters, senior services, and countless local groups to reduce stigma and ensure no one faces a crisis alone. Learn more at Samaritanssoco.org.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 anytime. Help and hope are always available.

For more information or to support Samaritans Southcoast, visit www.samaritanssoco.org.