Westerly Public Schools invites parents and the community to a presentation by The Samaritans of Rhode Island on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 6:00 – 7:30 pm. at WMS. Nonjudgmental listening and breaking the stigma associated with asking for help is at the heart of the Samaritan's work. At this presentation, Denise Panichas, Executive Director of The Samaritans, will explain the art of “befriending” those in need and how listening can be the first step in helping a loved one or friend. Other topics to be discussed include suicide prevention risk factors, protective factors, review of its suicide emergency checklist, working with school personnel and school resources, the importance of coordinated medical and behavioral health care and the use of agency’s website for learning more about suicide prevention education. The program is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact the Westerly Office of the Assistant Superintendent at 401.315.1517. To learn more about The Samaritans visit www.samaritansri.org