Framingham nonprofit receives cut of $8M for 988 suicide network
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United Way of Tri-County headquarters at 46 Park St. in Framingham
Framingham-based community support nonprofit United Way of Tri-County is one of five Massachusetts organizations set to split $8.3 million in state and federal grant funding to continue their participation in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network.
The awarded grants will help fund infrastructure, operational capacity, and staffing initiatives to support the organizations in providing emotional support and desecalation services to those calling the nationwide hotline, according to a Thursday press release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
The 988 Lifeline is a network of local crisis centers offering free and confidential support to those in emotional distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis. Though confidential, the 988 Lifeline may contact emergency services without a caller’s consent if the caller is considered at imminent risk of completing suicide, according to Mass.gov.
“Everyone in Massachusetts, no matter how they identify or what language they speak, should be able to access the resources that 988 provides,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said in the release. “We can prevent an unnecessary loss of life by continuing to provide this life-saving resource, which can mean everything for an individual who just needs help or some form of connection in a time of crisis or need.”
The Massachusetts Violent Death Reporting System reported 596 suicides in Massachusetts with 22% of those deaths resulting from firearms, according to data gathered from 2021.
In January 2023, Worcester Polytechnic Institute unveiled its Center for Well-Being following seven student deaths, at least three confirmed by suicide.
“It is imperative that we identify people who are suffering and provide comprehensive resources and support to those who find themselves at a loss and unable to cope. One important and simple thing we can do is preserve the funding for this important lifeline that can help deescalate a crisis, connect someone to life-saving services, and offer hope,” Kate Walsh, Massachusetts secretary of health and human services, said in the release.
Distribution of the awarded funds will begin July 1 and continue for two years.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal who primarily covers the health care and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
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