September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Samaritans Southcoast is using the opportunity to promote the benefits of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.
Samaritans Southcoast staffs the crisis lifeline in Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket, Norfolk, and Worcester counties. Since the service became active four years ago, service calls have increased from 30,000 to 40,000 annually.
Since the 988 text and chat feature launched this year, it has broadened the outreach to a younger audience needing support.
Along with assisting those in need, Samaritans South Coast also provides support to loved ones impacted by suicide.
The success of Samaritans South Coast has led to more staff and volunteers answering 988 calls.
Samaritans South Coast is advocating on behalf of a pair of bills in the state legislature: one which would implement a 988 surcharge on mobile phone bills and another which would print notice of its 988 service on student ID’s
