My Story…
Suicide is personal for me - as I've shared before, my family was shattered when my father succumbed to his mental illness when I was just 4 years old. This year, however, I'm running for a much bigger cause than just my story.
Each day this year, around 18 US military veterans will take their own lives. The suicide rate for veterans (including current active duty, reserve, and National Guard members) is twice the rate of the non-veteran population. The causes are varied - PTSD, anxiety, separation from loved ones, generalized depression - but the reality of veteran suicide is a national tragedy.
So this year I run for them, in hope that their stories - stories of thousands of families shattered due to the loss of a veteran son, daughter, brother, sister, mother or father - will become rarer and rarer through the work of great organizations like The Samaritans.
Every dollar counts; thank you for joining me in this year's effort.
Tom
Description
The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is a nonprofit organization that provides support to people experiencing crises. Our mission is suicide prevention: we are dedicated to helping people contemplating suicide or personally affected by suicide.
In 2022 (the most recent year for which data is available), there were 626 deaths by suicide in Massachusetts (a rate of 8.9 per 100,000). That same year, Barnstable County had the second highest suicide rate in Massachusetts (17.5/100,000).
For those who may be struggling, grieving, or wanting to understand how to better support those in their lives, we have programs to help.
Crisis Lines are available 24/7 to anyone looking for support. There is no reason too great or too small to call – whatever the reason, we’re here to listen. The lines are free, anonymous and confidential. Reach us at 508-548-8900 or dial 988.
Community Education programs provide free materials for tabling events and host educational presentations and trainings to help community members learn about suicide prevention strategies.
Grief Services programs are available for those who have experienced the death of someone close to them by suicide. These resources help to provide loss survivors with various avenues for connection in ways and at times that are right for them.
Outreach Services programs provide direct support to specific at-risk populations. Currently, our Senior Outreach program is available to individuals who are 55 years or older, allowing an opportunity to receive weekly phone personal phone support from a matched volunteer.
Your support of Team Samaritans will help us continue to provide these lifesaving programs and services to those who reach out for help.
Recent donors
Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
---|---|---|
Aug 17 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
Aug 16 | Eric K | Undisclosed amount |
Aug 15 | The family of the survivors | $109.85 |
Aug 15 | Nurse L | $55.35 |
Aug 14 | Charlie, Karen, and Samuel | Undisclosed amount |
Aug 13 | Mimi | $28.10 |
Aug 11 | Anonymous | $273.35 |
Aug 11 | Steven Santos | $55.35 |
Aug 11 | David and Lisa Labbe | $55.35 |
Aug 02 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |