Samaritans Southcoast Staging Fundraiser to Help Prevent Suicide

Nationally, the number for the suicide prevention hotline is now 9-8-8, and that has brought changes to organizations line Samaritans Southcoast. Massachusetts adopted the change in 2022, giving the suicide prevention program a larger coverage area.

Executive Director Darcy Lee, speaking this week on Townsquare Sunday, said her agency was suddenly fielding more calls and needing more help.

"We serve Bristol and Norfolk counties, plus provide backup for five other counties in Eastern Massachusetts, so we are answering seven days a week, 24 hours a day for much of Massachusetts," she said.

"This year we are projected to answer about 42,000 calls, up from about 40,000 calls last year," Lee said.

Those numbers are a huge jump from five years ago, when their coverage area was smaller and their call volume was about 14,000.

Lee said the people who answer phones at Samaritans Southcoast spend about 90 percent of their time listening to people at risk or in need emotional support and 10 percent talking.

They also provide what Darcy calls "a warm hand-off" to other agencies that provide more comprehensive help for people who are in crisis or suicidal.

With all of that, organizations like Samaritans Southcoast need to raise money to pay staff members and provide services. The group is holding a fundraiser on Friday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at White's of Westport.

"Stand Up for Suicide Prevention" is a comedy show. The event includes a cocktail hour, silent auction and comedy featuring four nationally-known comics.

"Laughter brings the community together," Lee said. "It's helping to end the stigma around suicide, mental illness and behavioral health. It's good to laugh, for our own mental health."

Tickets are $30 and are available at the Samaritans Southcoast website.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-[mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.