Ocean State Stories
Author: Katie CastellG. Wayne Miller ani
PROVIDENCE – Its creation took four years and involved input from many sources. And since it went live late last year, the new website for the Samaritans of Rhode Island has drawn praise for its welcoming appearance, resources, and links to help for those who live with mental health challenges or might be contemplating suicide. The site also offers guidance for caregivers.
Samaritans of Rhode Island executive director Denise Panichas told Ocean State Stories that the need for a revamped site was articulated in observations made by hotline volunteers and callers, families and those who have lost loved ones and friends, as well as individuals working in behavioral health and suicide reduction.
“People understood that the goal was to create a different kind of site for suicide-prevention education that incorporated things that bring some calmness,” she said. “And as I wrote in the press release, the idea was: ‘Could people pause just for a moment?’ Because that pause can be life-saving.”
Visitors to the site find what might best be described as a soothing look anchored by art and photography. Seascapes by famous artists, including “The Flirt, 1874” by Winslow Homer and “Narragansett Bay, 1864,” by William Stanley Haseltine, for example. Outdoor images by award-winning Pawtucket-based photographer Christy Christopoulos.
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