866-912-HOPE (4673) (toll free) or 978-688-6607
The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley was formed in 1980 by three local school teachers in response to an increase in the rate of teen suicide. The organization set out as a small group of volunteers aiming to reduce the incidence of suicide in the Merrimack Valley by providing “befriending” to individuals who were lonely, depressed and contemplating suicide or self-injury. After 27 years, suicide prevention remains the primary goal of the Samaritans.
In 2004, the Samaritan joined Family Service, Inc., which now provides financial and administrative support to the Samaritans so that they may focus their full attention on the tasks of suicide prevention.
To reduce the incidence of suicide in the Merrimack Valley, the Samaritans provide an array of services that reach out to a variety of individuals:
The Samaritans are always looking for caring and compassionate volunteers to staff the 24-hour crisis hotline. Click here for more information on volunteer opportunities and training schedules.
Gatekeeper Training - The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is offering a free, Department of Public Health-funded training for “gatekeepers” to reduce the incidence of suicide among people ages 55 and older in the Merrimack Valley. Gatekeepers are people who, through their personal, professional or volunteer activities, have regular contact with older adults. After the training, participants are able to assess an older adult's suicide risk, intervene with an individual at risk, and connect older adults with ongoing professional help. Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available for nurses, social workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and EMTs for 6.5 hours. The Gatekeeper training is 8 hours in length and can be provided in one 8-hour session or two four-hour segments. Trainings can be held on site at interested organizations. For more information, contact: Mary Quinn, LICSW, Samaritans Training Coordinator at 978-688-0030 or mquinn@familyserviceinc.com.
Postvention – Even though our emphasis is on suicide awareness and prevention, the Samaritans offer help and support to individuals and groups in the wake of a suicide. The Samaritans provide support and debriefing for schools, mental health professionals, and businesses by being on site and talking through the tragedy with an open mind and sympathetic ear. This process helps affected individuals cope with the tragedy of suicide and gives them the skills to grieve in a healthy way.
Safe Place – Safe Place is a suicide survivor support group for those who have lost a loved-one to suicide. Safe Place is a place for individuals to grieve, share difficulties and feelings, and find support from others who are grieving in the wake of suicide. Meetings are facilitated by a peer suicide survivor and are confidential and free. Click here for more detailed information on Safe Place times and meeting locations.
The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is funded through a variety of public and private sources.
Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to the Samaritans of Merrimack Valley.
For more information about the Samaritans, or to become a volunteer, please contact the Samaritans Program Coordinator, Debbie Helms, at 978-688-0030. The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is a member of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention,,the Northeast Regional
Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and the American Association of Suicidology.