After several years of declining deaths in state prisons, the Massachusetts Department of Correction is reporting a reversal this year, with six incarcerated people dying by suicide — up from none last year and one each in 2023 and 2022.

At the beginning of November, DOC announced a system-wide safety and clinical action plan, including an independent review process led by a forensic mental health expert.

“Every person in our custody deserves safety, dignity and care,” said Commissioner Shawn Jenkins, in a statement. “When a death occurs, we activate a coordinated, evidence-informed response that prioritizes life safety.”

In each incident, DOC staff initiated life-saving measures and requested emergency medical services.

According to the DOC, two of the apparent suicides happened at MC

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