The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley was formed in 1980 by three local school teachers in response to an increase in the rate of teen suicide. The organization set out as a small group of volunteers aiming to reduce the incidence of suicide in the Merrimack Valley by providing “befriending” to individuals who were lonely, depressed and contemplating suicide or self-injury. Suicide prevention remains the primary goal of the Samaritans.

In 2005, the Samaritans joined Family Service, Inc., which now provides financial and administrative support to the Samaritans so that they may focus their full attention on the tasks of suicide prevention.

The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is a member of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention, the Northeast Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and the American Association of Suicidology.