Suicide rates drop in Bristol and Norfolk Counties

Massachusetts – April 22, 2025 – While Massachusetts continues to report a lower suicide rate than the national average, long-term trends point to a gradual increase in deaths by suicide across the Commonwealth. In 2022, there were 681 recorded suicide deaths statewide, with a rate of 9.5 per 100,000 residents, significantly below the national rate of 14.1. Still, this figure represents a 41% increase since 2003, underscoring the persistent need for comprehensive prevention strategies and sustained mental health support.

Against this backdrop, Bristol County—part of Samaritans Southcoast’s primary 988 coverage area—has experienced a 36% decline in suicide deaths since the national launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2022, with Norfolk County seeing a 22% decline. While it’s still early to draw definitive conclusions, these promising trends may reflect the positive impact of accessible, community-based crisis response services.

“We remain cautiously encouraged by the decline in deaths locally,” said Darcy H. Lee, Executive Director of Samaritans Southcoast. “Each life saved is significant. Our focus continues to be connecting with callers in crisis with compassion, confidentiality, and care.”

Local Data: A Developing Picture
● 2022: 69 suicide deaths in Bristol County 1
● 2023: 58 suicide deaths (a decrease of 11) 2
● 2024: 44 suicide deaths (a decrease of 14) 3
● 2025 (year-to-date): 16 deaths 4; projected total of 48 if current patterns hold

This gradual decline corresponds with the increased presence of 24/7 988 hotline coverage by Samaritans Southcoast crisis counselors answering calls from across the state and delivering targeted support to Bristol and Norfolk County residents. These counselors—trained staff, volunteers, and student interns—offer crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and warm transfers to Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) services when necessary.

Samaritans Southcoast also collaborates with statewide and regional suicide prevention coalitions, including the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention, the Bristol County Coalition for Suicide Prevention, the Greater New Bedford Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Greater Fall River Suicide Prevention Coalition, and the Norfolk County Suicide Prevention Coalition. These partnerships help ensure a coordinated and thoughtful approach to suicide prevention through outreach, education, and peer support.

"These statistics show that the increased and concerted effort across many disciplines and agencies has produced positive improvements. Increasing awareness and with a major effort to reduce the shame and stigma for seeking assistance, we are optimistic that we can save lives. However, with the current climate of change and fear of budget cuts and loss of support, especially at a time when more people are losing so much, is concerning for us." Rev. David A. Lima, Executive Minister of the Inter-Church Council, Chaplain of the New Bedford Police Department, Chairman of the Greater New Bedford Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Samaritans Southcoast: Organizational Impact
● Answered 1.1 million calls since 1983
● Maintains a 94% answer rate for 988 calls 5
● Supported more than 33,770 young people to date
● Offered 366 Safe Place peer support groups for those grieving a suicide loss
● 100% retention rate within our planned 8% annual attrition model, reflecting students completing internships

“Our counselors do more than answer calls—they offer connection in moments of deep distress,” said Lee. “This work is not about numbers; it’s about people, and we remain committed to supporting those who need us most.”

“We view this decline with a renewed sense of responsibility,” said Jocelyn Oliveira, President of the Board of Directors at Samaritans Southcoast. “We are incredibly proud of this team and more committed than ever to sustaining this life-saving work to meet community needs. We will continue doing all we can to maintain and expand this support across the Commonwealth.”

Samaritans Southcoast’s work is made possible through funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health. The organization is also a subrecipient of federal funds awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, potential reductions in federal funding present a serious concern.

Oliveira continued, “The data confirms what we’ve long believed - when you invest in people, you save lives. This 36% decline in suicide deaths is not just a statistic; it’s a testament to the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, the effectiveness of 988, and the trust our community places in us. Continued progress in suicide prevention efforts may be jeopardized without stable and sustained investment in crisis services, particularly those serving vulnerable and high-risk populations across the state.”

As Massachusetts continues to navigate rising suicide rates, the experience in Bristol County offers an important example of how accessible crisis services and collaborative local initiatives may contribute to meaningful change. Continued evaluation and sustained investment will be essential in determining long-term impact.

About Samaritans Southcoast
Samaritans Southcoast is a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis support statewide, through its 24/7 988 helpline and, nationwide, through its Safe Place support group for suicide loss survivors. Samaritans Southcoast provides compassionate care to individuals facing emotional distress. As a designated 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline center, accredited by the International Council for Helplines, and a certified Points of Light Service Enterprise agency, the organization is vital in supporting communities throughout Massachusetts.

For more information about Samaritans Southcoast, visit Crisis Hotline | Home | Samaritans Southcoast (samaritanssoco.org).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.

Our Mission
The mission of Samaritans Southcoast is to reduce and prevent future suicides from occurring, to bring attention to the causes of suicide, to eliminate the stigma of suicide, and to support the
survivors of suicide victims.

1 Data furnished by the 2022 Massachusetts Violent Death Reporting System [MAVDRS] Suicide Data Table.
2 Data furnished by Bristol County District Attorney’s office.
3 Data furnished by Bristol County District Attorney’s office.
4 Data furnished by Bristol County District Attorney’s office.

5 Vibrant Emotional Health.