This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re here to remind you that support is always within reach. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or just need someone to talk to, Samaritans and Hey Sam are here for you.

A special spotlight goes out to Kiara Hernandez and Gina Bates for their powerful contributions at the Massachusetts Annual Suicide Prevention Conference in Norwood, MA.

Samaritans and Hey Sam are here for you when you’ve had a bad day, feel lonely, or feel overwhelmed; whenever you need someone to talk to. You are never alone. We’re here for you, 24/7. Call or text 988. Youth can text Hey Sam at 439‑726 | 9AM-12AM ET

Thank you to everyone who attended our Legislative Briefing. We were honored to host an impactful presentation on immigrant mental health by Kiara Hernandez, Samaritans Manager of Quality Planning and Assurance.

Suicide prevention doesn’t always look like a crisis hotline. Our Chief Clinical Officer Kacy Maitland, reminds us that having our basic needs met is a form of suicide prevention. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...

To anyone missing a mother or mother figure, grieving a child, navigating difficult relationships, or struggling with hopes of becoming a parent — you are not alone. We are here for you, 24/7. Call or text 988

Growing up in a small town, Lisa had no family history of suicide and didn’t know anyone who had taken their own life. That changed when her daughter, Tess, died at the age of 25. To learn more about Lisa's story, visit: lnkd.in/esJ7M98T

The 2026 Breakfast for Hope was a powerful morning, bringing our community together to support those affected by suicide. Whether you joined us in person or supported from afar, we are so grateful for your commitment to honoring the courage it takes to heal after a suicide loss.

Our 2026 Breakfast for Hope is underway, a morning of compassion celebrating the lifesaving impact of Samaritans and a future where everyone affected by suicide can find the support they need.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Breakfast for Hope on Tuesday, May 5, at the Westin Copley Place.

"I'm not crazy. I'm not broken. I'm just a poor bereaved soul. And these people get it and they're here with me." - Charlie, Suicide Grief Support Facilitator Thanks to your support, we’re able to reach more people with our lifesaving services, programs, and team.

Some snapshots from our Living Our Story After Suicide Loss: A One-Day Summit 2026. We are so grateful for what each of you brought to this space: your honesty, courage and care for yourselves and for each other. To view these photos, visit: www.flickr.com/photos/15500...

"If it wasn't for SafePlace and Samaritans, I don't know where I'd be." - Alex, Suicide Grief Support Facilitator Your support is allowing us to connect with more people and help us expand our reach.

Here is the May SafePlace schedule, register at samaritanshope.org/gss. Samaritans SafePlace meetings are caring support groups for suicide loss survivors. Meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers who have also lost a loved one to suicide.

Registration for Cooking for Grief is open! A family-centered class designed to help children ages 5–12 and their caregivers explore feelings of suicide loss through the comforting act of cooking together. This event is made possible by The Parmenter Foundation. www.tfaforms.com/5212841

Some snapshots of some of our incredible 2026 Boston Marathon runners as they crushed 26.2 miles. samaritanshope.org/events/bosto...

Our Breakfast for Hope is a week away! Join us for a transformative morning of compassion at the annual Breakfast for Hope, celebrating our lifesaving impact and looking ahead to a future where everyone affected by suicide can find the support they need. support.samaritanshope.org/event/2026-b...

"Thank you for your support — not only us, but to the millions struggling with depression and to the families in grief." - Deana and Adam, 5k Participants Your support empowers us to broaden our lifesaving services and help more people.

"Samaritans... made me feel that I too will be okay again." - Rhonda, Suicide Grief Support Facilitator Your support empowers us to broaden our lifesaving grief support services and help more people.

Growing up in a small town, Lisa had no family history of suicide and didn’t know anyone who had taken their own life. That changed when her daughter, Tess, died at the age of 25. To learn more about Lisa's story, visit: samaritanshope.org/blog/how-i-f...

The Samaritans team was spread across Boston yesterday to cheer our incredible 2026 Boston Marathon Runners! Their passion and dedication is inspiring, and they have raised $291,483 towards our lifesaving work. Thank you to our incredible runners, you inspire us each and every day.

We’re wishing our incredible 2026 Boston Marathon team the best of luck as they head to the starting line today. Together, they’ve raised more than $258,870 to support our lifesaving work. Congratulations Team Samaritans!

"It's incredible that I have the chance to be the support I never received in similar situations." - Hey Sam Team Member Hey Sam, is a dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old. Your support is helping us reach more people with Hey Sam.

Samaritans staff are celebrating the Raj Menta Day of Good by going to the Emerald Necklace to help clean up our community. A helpful pause from our busy days to help do some good, we encourage you all to do the same. To learn more about the Raj Menta Day of Good www.rmdayofgood.com/home

We are seeking volunteers to support this year's Breakfast for Hope. Volunteers are essential to creating a successful event that brings our community together and raises vital funds for our lifesaving services. To learn more about volunteering, visit: www.tfaforms.com/5210030

April is volunteer appreciation month! We are endlessly grateful for all of our incredible volunteers who make our events and programs run smoothly. We would not be where we are today without all of your hard work. Thank you!

After Russell Holman's brother Rick died by suicide in 2018, Russell turned to Samaritans for support. He attended SafePlace suicide grief support meetings & received a personalized visit from someone who had also lost a sibling to suicide. samaritanshope.org/blog/maratho...

When he was 18 years old, Patrick lost his close friend to suicide. He looked for a way to connect with other young adults who had experienced a similar loss, ideally something with a flexible schedule and low-pressure environment. To learn more, visit: samaritanshope.org/blog/healing...

"My favorite part about running for Samaritans is the amazing community. Getting to learn all the other runners stories has really motivated me to push myself every single day." To learn more about Freeman's story and his journey to 26.2, visit: samaritanshope.org/blog/maratho...

"Being a volunteer... has given me the greatest sense of gratitude and fulfillment." - Brian, Suicide Grief Support Facilitator Thanks to your support, we’re able to reach more people with our lifesaving services, programs, and team.

"I don't know what I would do if I couldn't run. 6 years and a dozen marathons later, it has been life altering for me." To support Kirstin and our other amazing runners, visit: samaritanshope.org/events/bosto...

We invite you to join us for a day-long summit for long-term suicide loss survivors (5+ years after loss). The summit is supported with funding from the Parmenter Foundation. To register, visit: samaritanshope.org/event/living...

"You are never too broken to get help. Asking for support is one of the bravest things you can do. And the world is absolutely not a better place without you..." To learn more about Russell's journey and to support his page, visit: www.givengain.com/project/russ...

"The recent funding cuts to services supporting the most vulnerable (LGBTQ+ communities) is alarming..." To learn more about Kirstin's journey to 26.2, visit: www.givengain.com/project/kirs...

“To be there for others in their time of need... you can’t really do more important work than that.” - Jeanine, Helpline Volunteer Your support ensures that we can continue to help more people, grow our programs, and be even stronger for the years ahead.

Here is the April SafePlace schedule, register at samaritanshope.org/gss. Samaritans SafePlace meetings are caring support groups for suicide loss survivors. Meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers who have also lost a loved one to suicide. Meetings are free, ongoing, and drop-in.

Registration is still open for Living Our Story After Suicide Loss, a one‑day summit designed for long‑term suicide loss survivors. The summit is supported with funding from the Parmenter Foundation.

As a student, Freeman Whitaker helped lead mental health initiatives on campus for those who needed someone to listen. Upon graduating & moving to Boston to attend BC Law School, he wanted to find a way to continue supporting individuals who are struggling. To read more about his journey, visit:

“I am thankful to feel felt and understood.” - Attempt Survivor. Your support empowers us to broaden our lifesaving services and help more people.

The annual Breakfast for Hope is a powerful and transformative event. Join us on Tuesday, May 5 to celebrate our lifesaving impact. We are still seeking volunteers to support this year's Breakfast for Hope. To purchase tickets, visit: support.samaritanshope.org/event/2026-b...

“I am grateful to be part of a group that gives darkness a voice.” — Attempt Survivor Our Survivors of Suicide Attempts (SOSA) group offers a nonjudgmental, empathetic space for survivors to share their stories. Your support helps us reach and connect with even more people.

On April 20, 2026, Russell Holman will run his first Boston Marathon®. The course holds deep meaning, especially near Fenway Park, where he’ll feel the presence of his brother Rick, who died by suicide in 2018. To read more about his story visit: samaritanshope.org/blog/maratho...

“I learned that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable when having tough conversations.” - student Because of you, our services are reaching more people, our programs are evolving, and our team is growing stronger for years to come.

Registration is open for Living Our Story After Suicide Loss, a 1 day summit designed for long‑term suicide loss survivors. This gathering welcomes individuals who are 5+ years beyond their loss to explore how sharing their story can create connection & healing. samaritanshope.org/event/living...

Mile 20 and still smiling! Our Boston Marathon team powered through their long run in Wellesley today and has raised an incredible $230,000. Discover their stories and support their journey here: www.givengain.com/campaign/joi...

“I think that what you are doing is incredible, and I would like to be as strong as you are.” - Student Thanks to your support, we’re able to reach more people with our lifesaving services, programs, and team.

Thank you to Representative Ted Philips for his continued dedication to mental health and suicide prevention. Congratulations on receiving the 2026 Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award! The work you do in our community is incredible; this award is well deserved.

“I have a friend that is depressed and has thought about suicide...Thank you so much for helping me to understand how to help her.” - Student Hey Sam is a dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old. Your support is helping us reach more people with Hey Sam.

We are still accepting applications for this family-centered class designed to help children ages 5–12 and their caregivers explore feelings of suicide loss through the comforting act of cooking together. To learn more visit: www.tfaforms.com/5212841

As a suicide loss survivor and support group facilitator, Charlie has both navigated his own grief journey and guided countless others along theirs. To learn more: samaritanshope.org/blog/what-he...