Bay State disaster name facilities are receiving greater than $8 million to proceed serving to these in want by way of the 988 Suicide and Disaster Lifeline Community.
The 5 group organizations are being funded by the Massachusetts Division of Public Health’s Suicide Prevention Program as a part of the state’s 988 Lifeline.
The Lifeline gives free, nameless, and confidential emotional help to anybody experiencing misery and/or suicidal ideas. Individuals can entry the Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
In whole, $8.3 million in state and federal grant funding might be awarded to the disaster name facilities.
“The 988 Lifeline is critical to ensuring that Massachusetts residents can access the care that they need how and when they need it, whether that’s via call or text,” Gov. Maura Healey stated in an announcement.
“We know how important it is to have these resources in place, and I am thrilled that continued funding means that these organizations will still be able to make 988 available to anyone who needs it,” the governor added.
Information from the 2021 Massachusetts Violent Loss of life Reporting System reported that there have been 596 suicides in Massachusetts — a charge of 8.5 per 100,000, with 22% of suicides ensuing from firearms.
The 988 Lifeline is a core part of the state’s technique to scale back the incidence of suicidal ideation, habits, and deaths.
“When someone is struggling with feelings of despair, a caring and compassionate presence on the other end of the 988 Lifeline can be lifesaving,” stated Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein.
“Suicide prevention is a critical public health responsibility, and the 988 Lifeline is a resource that offers emotional support at some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s life,” Goldstein added. “Seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength, and we want all residents of the Commonwealth to know that they are not alone, even in the darkest of times.”
Funding for the 5 group organizations will start July 1, and can proceed for 2 years. The Suicide Prevention Providers disaster name heart funding recipients are: Household Providers of the Merrimack Valley; Samaritans of Cape Cod and the Islands; Samaritans, Inc, Boston; Samaritans of Fall River and New Bedford, Inc. dba Samaritans Southcoast; and United Method of Tri-County, Framingham.
DPH this summer time will launch a statewide public consciousness marketing campaign to advertise the 988 Suicide and Disaster Lifeline, and inform folks all through Massachusetts that they will entry it by calling or texting 988.
The 988 Lifeline Community is obtainable 24/7, 12 months a yr, by way of cellphone, chat, and textual content to offer free and confidential help to these experiencing emotional misery or ideas of suicide.
