When the nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline closed its specialized service for LGBTQ+ youth in July after the Trump Administration decided not to continue funding the program, local suicide-prevention organizations all over the country had to scramble to stand in the gap.

Samaritans South Coast, whose operators answer the Lifeline whenever a local caller dials 988, is providing operators more training in culturally competent care to ensure they’re able to deliver for everyone who calls.

Samaritans South Coast, based in Fall River, covers the 24/7 988 lifeline in Massachusetts for Bristol and Suffolk counties. When a caller dials-in to the hotline from anywhere in the country, they can select from one of several prerecorded options for specialized services: “1” for veterans; “2” f

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