Samaritans spreading the word in statewide media campaign

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

PROVIDENCE -- The Samaritans of Rhode Island, the state's only nonprofit agency exclusively dedicated to suicide prevention and education, has embarked on a statewide media campaign to raise awareness of its education, support and referral services, said Denise Panichas, the group's interim director, in a statement.

The summer campaign includes mailings to more that 75 media outlets. All Rhode Island radio stations received a Samaritans public service announcement recorded by singer and songwriter Bill Withers, who donated his time and gave permission to use his song, "Lean on Me," for the announcement.

The campaign includes a billboard on Route 10, as well as posters and bus station signs targeting low- and moderate-income neighborhoods throughout the state. All billboards include the message: "We care. We listen. We help."

The Samaritans can be reached at (401) 272-4044 or (1-800) 365-4044. The Web site is www.samaritansri.org

The group is working with Rhode Island emergency 911 to collect data on suicide rescue calls. In 2004, R.I. E-911 received 601 suicide related rescue calls representing 34 cities and towns.

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