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988 Goes Text and Chat in MA | New Bedford News
Samaritans Southcoast is now the central hub for Massachusetts’ 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, launching 24/7 text and chat services starting October 26, 2026, thanks to a $500,000 grant and ongoing funding through 2031. What began as a pilot in March 2026 has exploded in demand—far exceeding initial projections—with teams expanding by 30% to meet the surge, especially from younger users who prefer texting. Training is evolving to handle longer, nuanced digital conversations while preserving empathy. Though Massachusetts has one of the nation’s lower suicide rates, the impact is still…
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