Suicide Prevention and Postvention
Family Services of the Merrimack Valley Announced as Local Provider for the National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Lawrence, MA, August 8, 2022—Family Services of the Merrimack Valley has announced that it is now operating as the local provider for the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline though its Samaritans program. The new 988 lifeline number—which went into effect on July 16, 2022—provides callers with 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help those experiencing mental health-related distress; which includes thoughts of suicide, substance use crisis, and any other kind of significant emotional challenges.
In 2020, the U.S. Congress designated 988 as the code to replace the 10-digit phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Now, when an individual dials 988 they will be routed to a network of over 200 locally operated crisis centers around the country. Any individual calling from an Essex County, MA phone number will be routed to a crisis line specialist at the Family Services’ Samaritans of Merrimack Valley program, which has hired and trained specialists to ensure calls are answered 24/7.
“Family Services’ Samaritans program has been operating a crisis lifeline to prevent suicide in our community for over 40 years” says Debbie Helms, Samaritans Director. “We are well equipped to expand that work and be part of the national network of 988 call centers.”
In 2021, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received 3.6 million calls, chats, and texts. That call volume is expected to at least double within the first full year after the 988 launch. “With funding and support from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and many collaborators across the state and country, we’ve been able to quickly hire and train staff who are now prepared for the increase in calls,” says Helms. “The first few weeks have gone smoothly and we’re prepared for continued growth.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes in 2020. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10-14 and 25-34. Studies have shown that after speaking with a trained crisis counselor, most lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful.
The 10-digit Lifeline number 1-800-273-TALK (8255) will continue to be operational after July 16 and will route calls to 988 indefinitely. The Samaritans will also continue to support its local lifeline number, 978-327-6607 and 866-912-4673.
Samaritans Joins National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Family Services’ Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is officially now a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network! The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255) is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week The Samaritans will maintain its local crisis line number and will expand the number of volunteers available to answer calls to the National Lifeline which originate from this geographic area.
If you are interested in becoming part of this life-saving program by volunteering to answer calls to the Lifeline, please contact the Samaritans Volunteer Coordinator, Jenny Ngo at [email protected]
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Over 200 Join Walk for Hope
We did it! Together we raised over $20,000 to support Family Services’ Samaritans of the Merrimack Valley program.
We are so grateful for to the many individuals and organizations who supported and showed up to our 5th annual “Walk for Hope”. The outpouring of support we received for this event far exceeded our expectations and shows that we are making progress to end the stigma around mental health and suicide.
With 200 walkers and 14 sponsors, the proceeds from the Walk will enable us to take on some important projects this coming year, including:
- Developing a training program to help teachers, social workers, first responders, parents and others to recognize individuals who may be at risk;
- Provide ongoing individual and group support to those who have lost a loved one to suicide;
- facilitate a support group for people who have attempted suicide and survived; and
- Expand our crisis help line to reach thousands more people in crisis.
Thank you again to our 2021 Walk for Hope sponsors and everyone who joined, donated, volunteered or supported in any way!
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A Genuine Feeling of Caring Here
Hundreds Join in Samaritans Second Annual Walk for Hope
“Peg Serley was a driving force in community outreach. She began her work some 40 years ago when NOBODY was talking about suicide. In fact, people shunned it. Peg was out front with all of this,” reflected Walk for Hope Co-Chair Bob Autieri as he addressed the crowds gathered at the Walk for Hope’s opening ceremony. “In our lifetime, if we’re fortunate, we get to meet outstanding people that we just never forget. In my life I call them beacons of light. Peg Serley is, for me, one of those beacons of light.” Among those on hand Saturday morning to receive Autieri’s tribute was Samaritans of the Merrimack Valley Founder Ms. Serley herself. Her presence at the second annual Walk for Hope was among the event’s many highlights.
One of the intentions behind the Walk for Hope, created by Samaritans Director Debbie Helms, was to offer the community a space for healing and celebrating lives lost, but also to create a community of comfort and conversation in and around suicide. As one walker pointed out along the walk’s course, “there’s just a genuine feeling of caring here.” From extended families and bands of teams to puppies and pals, all were spirited up to show their support for suicide prevention and awareness. “You know when you get a hug from someone who lost a loved one here, it’s a sincere hug – they know,” shared one participant who had recently lost her niece to suicide. “They’ve been there. That’s a person who has walked in your shoes.”
“I learned about the Samaritans when I myself needed help. And, these people came at the right moment for me,” shared Ms. Serley as she walked back in time. “The ability to share that over the years has been a blessing to me, and hopefully to many other people.” Family Services of the Merrimack Valley is forever grateful for Peg Serley’s longtime service and unwavering commitment to shedding light on suicide. The many blessings she has offered ripple far and wide. We would also like to thank our Samaritans staff, the Walk for Hope Event Committee, our sponsors, friends in the media, the students at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School (a few of whom are pictured above) and the countless volunteers who helped to contribute to a wonderful morning of healing and community. You are all beacons of light!
Family Services’ Samaritans provides a free and confidential crisis help line to those who are lonely, despairing, suicidal or need someone to listen. This service is provided by trained volunteers who provide unconditional and non-judgmental “TLC” – talking, listening and caring. This service is available (daily) from 8 AM to 11 PM by calling our Crisis Help Line at 866-912-HOPE (4673), or 978-327-6607.
Additional Resources:
877-870-4673 – Samaritans Statewide Crisis Help Line
1-800-273-8255 – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-508-532-2255 – Call2Talk
To contact a Samaritans staff member, please call 978-327-6671.
My Son Has a Name
Suicide… It’s a Complicated Grief.
Andrea Casey is a member of the amazing team we have here on staff here at Samaritans of the Merrimack Valley, a program of Family Services of the Merrimack Valley. A beloved facilitator of the Samaritans ongoing Survivors of Suicide Loss Safe Place meetings, Andrea brings to that role a very unique perspective. She has walked in the shoes of those who seek refuge in these community gatherings. In 2008 she lost her beloved some Christopher to suicide. She wants him to be remembered. He had a name. He had dreams, and he also had demons she believes. In his honor, Andrea channels her grief into action by championing suicide awareness and by comforting other survivors in their heartbreak. We are grateful for Andrea’s service and caught up with her as she and her colleagues prepare for the Samaritans Second Annual WALK FOR HOPE taking place on October 20. Information on WALK FOR HOPE volunteer opportunities, participant registration and sponsorship opportunities are available here…
How did you become involved with Samaritans of the Merrimack Valley?
I became involved with the Samaritans of Merrimack Valley when I lost my son Christopher Lee Manross ten years ago. At the time, my Mom’s place of employment had a sign posted on the window for a Safe Place meeting for survivors of suicide loss.
What would you like others to know about Chris?
Chris was my blond-haired, blue-eyed darling of a son. He was gentle and kind-hearted. He once stood up to bullying for a friend who shared the same religion. Chris was very intelligent (sometimes I think brilliant), and he received an academic scholarship to study Engineering at Clemson University – one of the most elite programs in the country. I just want him to be remembered – that my son has a name, and he lived to be 18. He wasn’t selfish. He must have had demons that only he knew.
Tell us about the Survivor Support Group. Why are they so essential?
The Survivor Group is essential because (in that setting) we all have lost someone to suicide. It’s a complicated grief. Who they (our loved ones) were and how they died is traumatic in its own worst way. These gatherings are a place to vent your loss and connect with others who share your grief.
Last year you volunteered in our First Annual WALK FOR HOPE. How was that experience? Can you speak about the healing aspects of participating in this?
The First Annual Walk for Hope gave me hope. We need to raise money for this much needed cause. We have to denounce the stigma around suicide. We have to take a stand against suicide’s depiction as a “selfish” act. With both last year’s event and this year’s WALK FOR HOPE, our goal is to spread the word that suicide is truly a sickness, and that there is hope. I believe that EDUCATION is the key factor.
How will the event differ this year, and what will people be missing if they do not participate in the Walk in some capacity?
With this year’s WALK FOR HOPE, we are on a mission to reach a broader audience. The community nature of the Walk presents us with a chance to spread the word about the education we offer through the Samaritans of the Merrimack Valley. We need these educational programs to reach the hurting… and the general public as they may know of someone suffering. The Samaritans also offers both the knowledge and the resources for those that might be contemplating suicide. I believe if people would just educate themselves and others, we will help save lives!
Thank you for all that you do Andrea…. Is there anything else you want to share on the topic of suicide as we approach the second annual WALK FOR HOPE?
I would just like to say that if we had known that our son Chris was suicidal and we had accessed the resources and trained staff of the Samaritans, maybe, just maybe, my sweet young son would still be with us today.
Family Services’ Samaritans of Merrimack Valley strives to reduce the incidence of suicide in the Merrimack Valley and throughout Massachusetts by providing “befriending” to individuals who are lonely, depressed and contemplating suicide or self-injury. Suicide prevention is one of the primary goals of the Samaritans, although services also include postvention services, trainings and seminars, and support groups. To learn more about our Second Annual WALK FOR HOPE, please visit…
If you or someone you know is in imminent risk of suicide, call 911 or an ambulance to take them to an emergency room.
Family Services’ Samaritans provides a free and confidential crisis help line to those who are lonely, despairing, suicidal or need someone to listen. This service is provided by trained volunteers who provide unconditional and non-judgmental “TLC” – talking, listening and caring. This service is available (daily) from 8 AM to 11 PM by calling our Crisis Help Line at 866-912-HOPE (4673), or 978-327-6607.
Additional Resources:
877-870-4673 – Samaritans Statewide Crisis Help Line
1-800-273-8255 – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-508-532-2255 – Call2Talk
To contact a Samaritans staff member, please call 978-327-6671.
