Samaritans Launch Awareness Campaign Featuring Real Life Volunteers And Survivors of Suicide

Multi-year program will focus on primetime television, radio, internet, billboard and print media

BOSTON, December 11, 2006. . .

Samaritans today announced the launch of the non-profit’s first-ever multi-year awareness campaign. The program, which will appear on TV, radio, the internet, print media and billboards, features real-life volunteers and survivors of suicide.

Samaritans’ awareness program will begin immediately. It is designed to educate the public about the risk of suicide, and resources that are available to help. The multi-year program is funded by an anonymous foundation and generous discounts from creative agencies and providers of the media placements.

“Samaritans is humbled that an anonymous foundation stepped forward with a significant gift that will increase public awareness about one of society’s most pervasive public health issues,” stated Mark Stein, chair of Samaritans board of directors. “Increasing public awareness about suicide prevention is critically important, especially during the holiday season. Unfortunately, a majority of the public is less aware about the widespread impact of depression, loneliness and suicide than that of other public health issues.”

“The more successful we are in creating awareness, the more we will increase the demand for our services,” says Roberta Hurtig, Executive Director of Samaritans. “The first wave of advertising – with the slogan “Help Us. Help Others.” – is designed to help people realize they can provide solace to those who are struggling with feelings of isolation and despair as a Samaritans volunteer.”

The public health impact of suicide is tremendous. In 2003, there were 423 deaths by suicide among Massachusetts residents. By comparison, there were 139 homicides and 226 deaths by AIDS during the same time period. Suicides also ranked among the leading causes of death by individuals between the ages of 15 and 44 years.

Contact Information

Beth Schultz
Samaritans
617-536-2460
bschultz@samaritanshope.org

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