Boston Marathon 2025
2025-04-21 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Support Team Samaritans as they run 26.2 miles for suicide prevention. Each year, members of our community run the Boston Marathon and raise funds to support our lifesaving programs — crisis services, educational workshops, and suicide grief support.

Breakfast for Hope 2025
2025-04-30 07:30 - 09:00 | The Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02116, United States
Join us for a transformative morning of connection and compassion at our annual Breakfast for Hope, celebrating over 50 years of lifesaving impact and looking ahead to a future where every conversation counts.
This event is about more than reflection — it’s about action. Funds raised will empower us to reach more people, innovate our programs, and invest in the infrastructure needed to ensure no one struggles alone.
Hear stories of strength and healing from those whose lives have been impacted by our work. Learn how we are building a future where everyone feels heard and supported. Discover meaningful ways to get involved—through volunteering, advocacy, or financial support—and help us pave the way for the next 50 years of impact.

Healing from Suicide Loss: A One-Day Summit for Long-Term Loss Survivors
2025-05-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Boston Waltham, 550 Winter Street, Waltham, MA, 02451, United States
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (lunch provided)
Venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton Boston Waltham
Address: 550 Winter Street, Waltham, MA, 02451
Register here
Please join us for a free, one-day summit designed to create connection and healing among long-term suicide loss survivors. This event, made possible with support from The Parmenter Foundation, will provide participants with hands-on, tangible skills to help them better understand post-traumatic growth and integrate that knowledge into their healing.
Suicide grief is uniquely complex, leaving most loss survivors searching for meaning and struggling to find the words to describe how their loss has impacted them as human beings. Through interactive discussions, peer support, and journaling, this summit will encourage participants to think about the impact of their suicide loss on their deeper selves, Loss survivors who have previously engaged in support groups and other healing strategies will learn new ways to increase their support and further understand their loss.
Following the summit, participants will be able to: 1) Define the soul; 2) Identify three ways in which the essence of who they are has been impacted by suicide loss, and; 3) Identify three forms of Soul Care, a non-religious, non-clinical, evidence-informed approach to restoring a sense of self, connection, and resilience.
At Samaritans, we strive to meet our loss survivors wherever they may be in their grief journeys. For most attendees of this summit, it will have been five or more years since the loss of their loved one. If it has been fewer than five years since your loved one’s passing but you feel like you have moved beyond our SafePlace meetings and are wondering what’s next in your journey, you are welcome to attend.
We hope you will join us on May 17 as we continue to strengthen our community and support each other on our journeys.

About the Speakers:
Sarah Gaer is a mental health professional with over 25 years of experience in trauma, addiction, and suicide prevention. She holds a master’s in clinical psychology from Antioch University and is a Suicide Prevention Specialist who has trained over 1,000 people and led crisis response following significant incidents. A recognized speaker on Soul Exhaustion and mental health, Sarah also works in Law Enforcement mental health and the H.O.P.E. Certification program, advancing evidence-based practices in mental health promotion. Her leadership and published works in suicide prevention provide resilience, guidance, and hope for those seeking healing and renewal in their lives.
Sissi O’Shaughnessy is Senior Director of Suicide Grief Support Services at Samaritans, where she oversees SafePlace grief support group meetings, Survivor to Survivor visits, and the launch of a LOSS Team—an effort to connect loss survivors with peer support immediately following a suicide. She is also a suicide loss survivor and the founder of the Mo Foundation, honoring her late husband. Sissi previously worked as a Community Education and Outreach trainer with Samaritans, where she provided workshops to schools and other communities on suicide prevention, including teaching about warning signs, risk factors, and how to best support someone who is struggling with suicidal ideation.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is considered a long-term loss?
A: While every person’s suicide grief journey is different, we recommend this summit for those whose loss was at least 5 years ago. However, if you feel like you are wondering what’s next in your journey and have moved beyond our SafePlace meetings, you are welcome to attend, even if you are under 5 years out from your loss.
Q: How many people can attend? What should I do if I am on the waitlist?
A: The summit can accommodate 50 participants, and registration is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we reach our registration capacity, we will open a waitlist. If you are on the waitlist, we will follow up if space becomes available.
Q: Is the event free?
A: We are pleased to offer this event free of charge with support from the Parmenter Foundation. Parking is also free.
Q: Will food be provided?
A: Lunch will be provided along with a light continental breakfast in the morning. Coffee and tea will be available throughout the day.
Q: What accommodations are available?
A: Our registration form includes a section to address your accessibility requirements. If you need hotel accommodations or have additional concerns, please contact the Samaritans events team at events@samaritanshope.org.

Beyond the Baby Blues: Understanding & Supporting Maternal Mental Health
2025-06-13 12:00 - 13:15
Pregnancy and postpartum are vulnerable times for new mothers, birthing persons, and families. Perinatal mental health conditions affect approximately 1 in 5 perinatal individuals. Suicide is one of the overall leading and preventable causes of death in pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. Intervening through intentional screening and compassionate care is critical for maternal and family well-being.
This webinar for healthcare professionals, community workers, and support teams breaks down stigmas about perinatal mental health, addresses common misconceptions, and provides strategies for supporting new mothers and parents. Participants will learn to recognize the spectrum of mental health conditions, from temporary adjustment difficulties to more serious conditions requiring intervention. Attendees will also hear about local and national resources available to families during this crucial time in life.

Cherline Arnoux
Cherline Arnoux is a clinician deeply committed to women’s health and wellness, with a particular focus on maternal and paternal health and well-being. After earning her master’s degree in social work, she began her career in child protection before moving into her current role as a Behavioral Health Clinician with the Boston Public Health Commission. In her work in maternal health, Cherline co-created the “Black Women in Motherhood Support Group,” a specialized curriculum developed to support Black women in navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during the postpartum period. Cherline has completed a fellowship in Early Relational Health with the Department of Psychiatry at UMass Chan Medical School and earned a certificate in Relational and Multi-Contextual Trauma from Simmons University. She has also presented her work at the CityMatCH Conference, a national organization that supports leaders and programs in maternal and child health within city and county health departments. Additionally, Cherline serves on the Community Advisory Board for both The Boston Healthy Families Community-Based Perinatal Health Project (Boston COPHI/Doula Project) and Empower Our Crown, a nonprofit dedicated to developing and empowering mentally and emotionally resilient world changers. In her free time, Cherline co-founded C&D Styling, offering consultations focused on style, image, and confidence. She firmly believes in the mantra “when you look good, you feel good,” using it as a tool to break down barriers to self-love and confidence, especially in relation to mental health and wellness. With over ten years of experience working with women, children, and families, she is committed to continuing her service to the city of Boston and its most vulnerable communities.

Cheyenne Bell
Cheyenne Bell is the founder and CEO of Haven Place Doulas, a dedicated birth and postpartum doula agency serving families throughout Massachusetts. As a certified birth doula and postpartum doula, Cheyenne brings professional training and hands-on expertise to her leadership role. In just two years since founding the company, she has led her team in supporting 68 births and 75 postpartum families, quickly establishing Haven Place Doulas as a trusted resource in the maternal health community. With a vision to address the critical gap in continuous support for new parents, Cheyenne created Haven Place Doulas to ensure Massachusetts families have access to compassionate, evidence-based care during life’s most transformative experiences. Her approach to doula care honors the diverse needs of modern birthing people while delivering measurable positive outcomes for families. Cheyenne collaborates with hospitals, midwifery practices, and community organizations to expand access to doula services. Her expertise spans physiologic birth, postpartum recovery, perinatal mental health, and building sustainable doula businesses. When not directly supporting clients or growing her agency, Cheyenne advocates for policy changes that recognize the value of doula care in improving maternal and infant health outcomes across Massachusetts and beyond.

Tiffany Moore Simas, MD, MPH, MEd, MHCM, FACOG
Dr. Moore Simas is a leading Ob/Gyn specialist, physician-scientist, educator, advocate, and innovator. She heads a nationally recognized clinical department focused on improving reproductive health and well-being for all persons needing Ob/Gyn care. As the founding Obstetric Engagement Liaison of the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Moms, she pioneered a model that enhances obstetrics, integrating perinatal mental health/substance use disorder care. Dr. Moore Simas directs Lifeline for Moms and its National Network, supporting the development of Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs across 1 county, 29 states, 2 national U.S. programs, and 1 Canadian province, earning recognition for her leadership in obstetric innovation and mental health equity.

Moderated by:
Kacy C. Maitland, LICSW
Kacy C. Maitland is the Chief Clinical Officer at Samaritans, a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization. In that role, she oversees all programming, including the 24/7 crisis helpline, youth text line, grief support services for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and suicide prevention community education. Kacy has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. She has practiced as both a trainer and clinician in a variety of settings, including working with those struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, and holds leadership roles with community organizations and government policy advisory groups. Kacy is a Commissioner for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She has also been an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Simmons University Graduate School of Social Work and in Sociology at Quincy College.

Healing Strides for Young Adults
2025-07-27 15:30 - 16:30 | Where: Charles River Esplanade, Boston, MA (specific location to be shared after registration)
Navigating early adulthood can be challenging. If you have lost a loved one to suicide, it can be even harder. Our Healing Strides walking group offers a safe space for young professionals, graduate students, and other young adults in Boston to honor those we’ve lost while moving forward one step at a time. This fall, join a group of twenty-somethings who know what it’s like to carry the kind of grief that follows a suicide loss. Find support, share memories of your loved one, and take steps toward healing together.
When: Sundays 3:30-4:30pm ET,
Where: Charles River Esplanade, Boston, MA (specific location to be shared after registration)
This event is geared towards participants ages 20-30. Inquiries from outside this age group will be considered on a case-by-base basis. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. This is not a rain-or-shine event—if rain is forecast, it will be canceled, and you will be notified.

Boston: In-Person SafePlace Meetings for Loss Survivors - Monthly
2025-08-19 19:00 - 20:30 | 6 Chestnut St, Boston MA 01208, 6 Chestnut St, Boston, MA, 01208, United States
Losing someone to suicide is a painful and difficult experience. Samaritans SafePlace meetings provide a forum for suicide loss survivors to explore feelings not often understood by others. Meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers who have lost someone to suicide.
SafePlace is not a professional therapy group, but rather a peer support group offering nonjudgmental listening, peer connection, and shared understanding. It offers a chance to share helpful resources, and to give and get support through the long process of grieving. Meetings are free, ongoing, and drop-in.

Meetings are held:

First Wednesday of every month

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm ET

6 Chestnut St, Boston MA 01208

Samaritans SafePlace groups are open anyone, to regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status and other diverse backgrounds.
RSVP

Kennedy's Wicked Long Walk is Back
2025-09-12
Support Kennedy’s Wicked Long Walk to raise awareness of youth mental health

Our favorite radio host, Kennedy Elsey of Mix 104.1 (and Samaritans board member) is lacing up her sneakers again for youth mental health. On Friday, September 12, Kennedy will walk 13 miles along Washington Street to spread awareness and raise critical funds for Samaritans and Hey Sam, our peer-to-peer mental health support textline for young people.
Last year, Kennedy raised more than $50,000 thanks to incredible community support. This year, we’ve raised the bar, and we need your help to meet our goal. Cheer Kennedy on and donate to her walk to show young people they are not alone. Every step helps fund lifesaving support, connection, and hope when it is needed most.
Together, let’s go the distance for youth mental health!

Support Kennedy’s Wicked Long Walk

2025 Mix 104.1 Highlights – Kennedy’s Wicked Long Walk
Follow along with Kennedy’s progress on Mix 104.1:

Kennedy’s Wicked Long Walk 2025
Talia from Hey Sam Tells Us Why She Volunteers For Hey Sam
A wicked Long Walk for a Good Cause
Mix 104.1’s Kennedy Elsey Talks about her ‘Wicked Long Walk’ for mental health awareness

Webinar: Building Safer Communities
2025-09-19 12:00 - 13:00
Join our webinar during Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month

Register Now

Every year, over 250 people die by gun violence in Massachusetts. More than half of these deaths are suicides—that’s enough to fill two subway cars on the MBTA Red Line.
Behind each of these deaths is a devastated family and a grieving community. Despite having some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, gun violence remains a significant and often overlooked problem in the Commonwealth— from suicide and domestic violence to school safety.
This National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, join Samaritans and a panel of gun violence experts, state legislators, and advocates for a critical conversation on the current landscape of gun safety laws. In this webinar, you will:
– Learn how to recognize warning signs and safely intervene when someone you love is in crisis.
– Hear how Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) can be used in Massachusetts to decrease the risk of someone hurting themselves or others.
– Discover ways to have effective conversations with legislators to advocate for policies that address gun violence and suicide prevention.
Whether you are new to advocacy or looking to deepen your impact, you will leave this webinar with concrete tools and resources for having meaningful conversations that can save lives and create safer communities in Massachusetts.

Ruth Zakarin
Executive Director, MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

Ruth Zakarin spent over 25 years working with youth and adults impacted by domestic and sexual violence before becoming the inaugural Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence in May of 2019. With over 125 member organizations, the Coalition works to address gun violence in all its forms through advocacy, public awareness, coalition building, and community organizing. Ruth has her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and is also trained as a community organizer. She is particularly interested in creating models of trauma informed advocacy and policy making. Outside of her Coalition work, Ruth is very involved in local interfaith organizing, is an avid knitter and foodie, and is the proud mom of two incredible young adults.

Reverend Mark V. Scott
Board Chair, Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

Reverend Mark Scott is the Associate Pastor of the Azusa Christian Community. He serves as a chaplain at Boston Medical Center. Rev. Scott chairs the Board of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. Mark Scott works at the Boston Public Health Commission. Reverend Scott is married with four children and three grandchildren.

Representative Michael S. Day
31st Middlesex, Massachusetts State House

Michael proudly represents the towns of Stoneham and Winchester. He and his wife Megan live and are active in Stoneham, where they are raising their three sons, Conor, Ryan and Finnegan. Michael founded his own law firm in 2012 after working as a Special Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County and practicing law at Mintz Levin in Boston for nearly ten years. He is one of the leading advocates of civil rights and civil liberties issues in the Boston Bar Association, and until recently served on the Board of Directors of a non-profit organization dedicated to ending child abuse. He coaches Mite players in Stoneham Youth Hockey.

Moderated by: Kacy C. Maitland, LICSW
Chief Clinical Officer Samaritans, inc.
Kacy C. Maitland is the Chief Clinical Officer at Samaritans, a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization. In that role, she oversees all programming, including the 24/7 crisis helpline, youth textline, grief support services for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and suicide prevention community education. Kacy has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. She has practiced as both a trainer and clinician in a variety of settings, including working with those struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, and holds leadership roles with community organizations and government policy advisory groups. Kacy is a Commissioner for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She has also been an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Simmons University Graduate School of Social Work and in Sociology at Quincy College.

Register Now

27th Annual Samaritans 5K
2025-09-27 08:00 - 13:00 | Artesani Park, 1255 Soldiers Field Rd, Brighton, MA, United States
Providing Hope, One Conversation at a Time

Join us at the 27th Annual Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention to honor loved ones lost to suicide and help ensure that no one struggles alone. Each year, our community comes together during Suicide Prevention Month for this powerful day of connection, reflection, and hope.
Proceeds from the Samaritans 5K help fund our free, lifesaving programs—crisis services, community education, and support for those affected by suicide. Every dollar you give will also support Every Conversation Counts: a campaign to create a world without suicide, where everyone has someone to talk to.
Get involved in whatever way is meaningful to you. Register as an individual, start a team with your friends and family, or sign up as a volunteer to make this special day possible.
However you support the Samaritans 5K, we thank you for helping us create a world where everyone can find support. A world in which every conversation counts.
Early Bird registration is available through June 20. Register by September 15, 2025, to receive a 5K T-shirt.

Register >>

2025 Community Gathering on Suicide Prevention: Samaritans Annual Meeting
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | PwC Atrium, 101 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA, 02210, United States
Join our annual meeting to connect with the Samaritans community and learn how the Every Conversation Counts campaign is helping Samaritans reach more people, improve through innovation, and strengthen our team and impact.
Keynote Speaker: Kyle Anagnos, Samaritans Marathon Runner
Light food & refreshments provided.
Registration required. Please RSVP by Sunday, October 5.

TCS New York City Marathon
2025-11-02 08:00 - 12:30
Join us on Sunday, November 2, 2025 to cheer on our amazing Team Samaritans for the TCS New York City Marathon! This will be our 5th year running in NYC and all proceeds help fund Samaritans’ life saving services, including our 24/7 Helpline, suicide prevention workshops, and grief support services

Man Up, Speak Out: Real Talk About Men’s Mental Health
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Zoom
Men are nearly 4x more likely to die by suicide than women, yet they are less likely to seek mental health support. This webinar will explore unique approaches to raise awareness and encourage open conversation through film, community building, and peer support.
Panelists will discuss social pressures and cultural expectations that create barriers to talking about mental health, and how they are working to create change. The webinar will also explore challenges facing young men today, why suicide risk is increasing among communities of color, and practical strategies for supporting men and boys who are struggling.
Through community and connection, we can create spaces where seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness. Funding for this webinar is provided by a grant received from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

Register Now

David Andrade
David Andrade, MSW, a Boston native from Jamaica Plain, is a proud graduate of Bunker Hill Community College, Lesley University, and Boston University. He currently serves as the Residence Hall Director for Rich Hall at Boston University and is a Mentor for The Posse Foundation, an organization that identifies and supports students with exceptional leadership potential through full-tuition scholarships and mentorship.
David’s passions extend to social justice, community building, and mental health advocacy. These areas drive his professional and personal mission to create meaningful change. As a Boston University Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health (CISWH) Fellow, he actively participates in a medical brigade that serves in Nicaragua, assisting Dr. Luz Lopez in facilitating lectures on intimate partner violence and the trauma of forced migration.
He is also the founder of BU’s Domino Club, now in its fourth year, which has become a cornerstone of inclusivity and belonging on campus. Outside of work, David enjoys card games, anime, fitness, and basketball. David strives to embody a commitment to leadership, learning, and building vibrant, inclusive communities.

Jake Miskin

Screenwriter & Producer, Shattered Ice

Jake Miskin is an American screenwriter & producer, born and raised in Needham, Massachusetts. Jake graduated from Needham High School and he went on & played collegiate soccer at Springfield College. Jake graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. He is the founder of Nehoiden Street Films and independent film company based in Boston, MA.

Anthony Thompson
Founder, Follow Suit
Anthony (Ahmad) Thompson was born in the mid-1960s in the Orchard Park housing projects of Boston, Massachusetts. A standout basketball player in high school, he left the game behind in the 1980s and became entangled in the drug trade—a decision that led to life on the run and later time in prison.

After his release in the mid-2000s, Thompson committed himself to change. Recognizing his own past mistakes reflected in young men around him, he set out to be a positive influence. With a vision rooted in service and leadership, he dedicated himself to giving back to his community and now serves as a supervisor with the City of Boston Public Works.

Thompson is the founder of Follow Suit, a nonprofit mentoring program that provides guidance and support for young men. He also hosts “Follow Suit Fashion Unfiltered”, a podcast that spotlights coaches, mentors, and community leaders.

Moderated by: Steven Karaiskos
Founder, Elpis Consulting
Steven Karaiskos, Ph.D., is an educator, emotion scientist, and expert in grief and loss to suicide. He is also a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention, with over 25 years of experience across K–12 and higher education. A suicide loss survivor, his work is grounded in one core belief: that healing, learning, belonging, and thriving begin with relationships.
As the founder of Elpis Consulting, Coaching, and Community Building, Steven partners with schools, organizations, and communities to design restorative, inclusive systems that support well-being and connection. He co-developed the SEL Roadmap with SeaChange Mentoring, providing international schools with a culturally responsive and developmentally grounded framework for social-emotional learning. He also teaches psychology at Lesley University’s Early College program, which empowers students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Steven previously served as Senior Director of Community Education & Outreach at Samaritans, Inc., where he redeveloped school training across Massachusetts, led a team of trainers, and expanded community partnerships. He now serves as Director of Programming at The Kita Center, home to Camp Kita, and leads peer support groups for young people navigating suicide loss. Steven regularly presents at national conferences and retreats, most recently at the NACG Symposium, LOSS Conference, the American Association of Suicidology Conference, the Long-Term Loss Survivors of Suicide Conference (AFSP), and the Being With Grief Retreat (CHiME)

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
2025-11-22 11:30 - 15:30 | 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is an event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.

This event is for Survivors of Suicide Loss only.

Responding With Care: First Responder Strategies for Mental Health Crises
2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Zoom
Every day in Massachusetts, first responders help people in severe mental health and suicidal crises. In these moments, the right intervention can save a life.
This webinar equips law enforcement officers, social workers, and other first responders with practical strategies to effectively respond to mental health emergencies, including situations involving firearms. An expert panel of frontline workers will share practical tools to help participants:
– Identify and respond effectively to mental health emergencies.
– Initiate an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) to temporarily remove firearm access from individuals at risk.
– Build stronger cross-sector partnerships between law enforcement, behavioral health, and community organizations.
People experiencing mental health crises—especially those who are homeless, using substances, or living in poverty—need compassionate, connected support. This webinar emphasizes person-centered, dignity-preserving approaches that bridge Massachusetts communities with care providers and create meaningful connections that extend beyond the immediate crisis to link individuals with ongoing support.
Funding for this webinar is provided by a grant received from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at marketing@samaritanshope.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

Register Now

Kevan A. Barton, LICSW
Kevan A. Barton is the Executive Director of YouthConnect, where he leads a community-based mental health and advocacy program supporting police-referred youth and their families. He brings a background in clinical social work, with a Master of Social Work from Boston University, a Certificate from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, and completion of The Partnership’s leadership program.
His career has included leadership roles in youth development, program design, and organizational operations. Prior to his current role, he served as YouthConnect’s Director of Operations, Program Director at LIFT Boston, and Assistant Director/Lead Social Worker at Middlesex Community College’s B.R.I.D.G.E. Program. His experience also includes private practice psychotherapy and clinical social work positions.
Kevan serves on the Board of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence and on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee for Massachusetts. He has previously served on the boards of Zumix and Gender Spectrum and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. His work centers on strengthening pathways for youth and families by expanding equitable access to resources, and he brings his perspective as a leader of color to advancing justice and opportunity across the communities he serves.

Artie DePinho

Artie DePinho is a police officer with the Boston Police Department assigned to the Street Outreach Unit. His work focuses on assisting individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorder, and homelessness by connecting them with services and diverting them from the criminal justice system whenever possible. He is a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team and supports training for the Crisis Intervention Team. Artie participates in co-response initiatives alongside behavioral health clinicians. He also works within the HUB model, collaborating with multi-agency partners to identify risk and coordinate early, targeted interventions.  Artie holds a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Graduate Certificate in Crisis Response and Behavioral Health from William James College.

Christopher Malinn
Detective Sergeant Christopher Malinn is a 29-year veteran of the Brookline Police Department and has served as a Patrol Supervisor, Accreditation Manager and is currently the Crime Scene Unit Supervisor. He is the Brookline Police Department’s Peer Support Team Coordinator. Sergeant Malinn is the police coordinator of the Brookline Police Crisis Intervention Team and the Norfolk County CIT – TTAC. Sgt. Malinn is the training coordinator for the Greater Boston Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) and sits on its governing board. He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, is a certified MPTC Instructor, Veteran Officer Survival Instructor, CIT International Coordinator and ABLE and Mental Health First Aid Trainer.

Geneva Weymouth

Ms. Geneva Weymouth is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) working in forensic mental health for over 13 years, serving adult and juvenile populations. She currently works to support the Massachusetts Parole Board in delivering comprehensive services to those supervised on parole.
Ms. Weymouth is an experienced trainer, developing and delivering trainings on topics including trauma, dialectical behavioral therapy, youth mental health, de-escalation, crisis management and assessment, suicide prevention, and best practices for working with incarcerated individuals. She has also worked directly with local police agencies to support efforts related to the emerging need for co-response teams embedded with police for community response.She has an M.S. in Crime & Justice Studies and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Suffolk University.

Moderator:
Kacy C. Maitland LICSW

Kacy C. Maitland is the Chief Clinical Officer at Samaritans, a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization. In that role, she oversees all programming, including the 24/7 crisis helpline, youth text line, grief support services for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and suicide prevention community education. Kacy has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. She has practiced as both a trainer and clinician in a variety of settings, including working with those struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, and holds leadership roles with community organizations and government policy advisory groups. Kacy is a Commissioner for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She has also been an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Simmons University Graduate School of Social Work and in Sociology at Quincy College.

Virtual SafePlace Meeting for Spouses and Partners – Monthly
2026-02-18 19:30 - 20:30
Suicide Grief Support for Partners and Spouses
A group for anyone who has lost a partner to suicide, whether married or unmarried. All relationship types and LGBTQ+ individuals are welcome. Meetings are held monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Meetings are held:

3rd Wednesday of every month
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm ET
After you register, we will follow up with Zoom meeting details.

Annual Memorial 2026
2026-03-01 12:00 - 16:00 | Corcoran Heights Room Boston College, 140 Commonswealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467
Join our Annual Memorial to honor loved ones lost to suicide. At this open event, loss survivors and other members of the Samaritans community come together to connect, find support, and share memories.

Canton: In-Person SafePlace Meetings for Loss Survivors - Monthly
2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 | 92 Pleasant St. Canton, MA 02021, 92 Pleasant St., Canton, MA, 02021, United States
Canton SafePlace meetings for anyone who has experienced a loss to suicide take place on every third Thursday of every month. These meetings offer a chance to suicide loss survivors to heal together in community.
Losing someone to suicide is a painful and difficult experience. Samaritans SafePlace meetings provide a forum for suicide loss survivors to explore feelings not often understood by others. Meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers who have lost someone to suicide.
SafePlace is not a professional therapy group, but rather a peer support group offering nonjudgmental listening, peer connection, and shared understanding. It offers a chance to share helpful resources, and to give and get support through the long process of grieving. Meetings are free, ongoing, and drop-in.

Meetings are held:

Third Thursday of every month

7:00 – 8:30 pm ET

Canton Community Center, 92 Pleasant St. Canton, MA 02021

Samaritans SafePlace groups are open anyone, to regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status and other diverse backgrounds.
RSVP

Grief Recovery Method for Suicide Loss
2026-03-31 19:00 - 20:30
March 31– May 19, 7:00-8:30pm
After a suicide death, grief can be isolating, confusing, and leave you feeling stuck. Samaritans is offering a Grief Recovery Method® group specifically for suicide loss survivors. This closed support group is a structured weekly program designed to help you move through your grief journey.
Each week, you’ll learn practical tools, complete guided reading and writing assignments, and take small, supported steps forward.
Unlike SafePlace, which offers open, peer-to-peer support grounded in shared experience, the Grief Recovery Method is a closed, 8-session, structured program that follows a curriculum focused on grief and loss. The Grief Recovery Method, developed by the Grief Recovery Institute, is an evidence-based model that has been shown to be effective in helping people deal with the emotional pain of loss.
This group will be led by Samaritans Senior Director of Suicide Grief Support Services Sissi O’Shaughnessy, who is a certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist. Sissi brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a suicide loss survivor, creating a space that is grounded, compassionate, and practical.
Program Details
Dates: Tuesdays, March 31 – May 19 (8 weekly sessions)
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM ET
Format: Virtual, closed, small-group sessions

Register Now

Living Our Story After Suicide Loss: A One-Day Summit 2026
2026-04-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Regis College, 235 Wellesley St, Weston, MA, 02493, United States
Date & Time: Saturday, April 11, 2026 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: College Hall Foyer, Regis College, Weston, MA
The pain from a suicide loss may change over time, but it never goes away. Many loss survivors find it difficult to move forward with their grief, even years later. Storytelling can help make sense of suicide loss and find purpose. This day-long summit invites long-term suicide loss survivors (5+ years after loss) to explore how sharing their story can foster connection, healing, and hope. Through guided writing exercises and group discussion, participants will define their own stories in ways that honor their loved ones and work through lingering grief. Together, we will examine how telling our stories can help find meaning after loss and inspire others who may be struggling.
Who Should Attend: This event is for individuals who have been navigating life after suicide loss for five years or more and are looking to move forward in their healing journey.
Details:
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The program is free of charge and limited to about 50 participants.
The summit is supported with funding from the Parmenter Foundation.
Program:
10:00 a.m. – Check In and Networking
10:30 a.m. – Program Begins
12:00 p.m. – Break for Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Afternoon Session Begins
3:00 p.m. – Program Ends
How to Register:
Register Now

Boston Marathon 2026
2026-04-20 08:00 - 16:00

Breakfast for Hope 2026
2026-05-05 07:30 - 09:00
Join us at our Breakfast for Hope, celebrating over 50 years of lifesaving impact and looking ahead to a future where every conversation counts.

Cooking Through Grief
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Third Space Kitchen, 53 Winchester St, Newton, MA, 02461, United States
A family-centered class designed to help children ages 5–12 and their caregivers explore feelings of suicide loss through the comforting act of cooking together. Share a meal, make something new, & connect with others on their grief journeys at a one‑night cooking class at Third Space Kitchen.
This event is open to individuals and families, but space is limited to 15 participants. The meal will be Italian, and a gluten‑free option will be available.
This event is made possible by The Parmenter Foundation.
Program Details
Thursday, May 21, 6:30 PM
Location: Third Space Kitchen, 53 Winchester St, Newton, MA 02461
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How Healthcare Professionals Can Promote Firearm Safety
2026-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Zoom
Every clinician has a role to play in preventing suicide. Yet most have never been trained to talk about firearms.
In Massachusetts, more than half of firearm deaths are suicides. Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to intervene if a patient is in crisis.
This webinar equips frontline clinicians—including physicians, nurses, and social workers—with practical tools and language to start these conversations. Learn how to incorporate firearm safety into routine visits, assess lethality, and recognize when to consider an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), an important and underutilized option now available to Massachusetts clinicians.
Gun violence is a growing epidemic and medical professionals need to be part of the conversation. Safer communities are built through honest dialogue, and this session will help you find your role — whether at the bedside, in your institution, or as an advocate for your patients and community.
Funding for this webinar is provided by a grant received from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at marketing@samaritanshope.org for the status of social work CE accreditation.

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Annie K. Buck, MS
Anne K. Buck, MS, is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Health Law, Policy & Management at the Boston University School of Public Health. Her research sits at the intersection of trauma surgery, public health, and social justice, with a focus on firearm injury prevention and gun policy at both the state and national levels. She serves as the Resident Advocacy Chair for the founding chapter of Socially Responsible Surgery at Boston Medical Center and is completing her dissertation on the expansion of Massachusetts’ red flag laws to include clinician petitioners, a project funded by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Nationally, she also serves as the Co-Chair of the Student and Early Career Professional Committee for the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR).

Dr. Tracey Dechert, MD FACS

Tracey A. Dechert, MD, is Chief of Acute Care and Trauma Surgery at Boston Medical Center (BMC). She is also an associate professor of Surgery at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Appointed Chief in 2022, Dr. Dechert is the first woman to be named Surgical Trauma Chief at a Level 1 adult trauma center in Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA and Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Dechert completed her residency in General Surgery at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA and her fellowship in the Department of Traumatology and Surgical Critical Care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Hemal Sampat
Dr. Hemal Sampat is a hospitalist physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, double-specialized in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and an Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is the Director of Clinician Training at the MGH Gun Violence Prevention Center and an Associate Program Director for the Harvard-MGH Medicine-Pediatrics Residency program. Dr. Sampat is active in legislative advocacy with the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and his op-eds and essays have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Newsweek, USA Today, and STAT News.

Moderator:
Kacy C. Maitland LICSW

Kacy C. Maitland is the Chief Clinical Officer at Samaritans, a Massachusetts-based suicide prevention organization. In that role, she oversees all programming, including the 24/7 crisis helpline, youth text line, grief support services for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and suicide prevention community education. Kacy has over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health. She has practiced as both a trainer and clinician in a variety of settings, including working with those struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, and holds leadership roles with community organizations and government policy advisory groups. Kacy is a Commissioner for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She has also been an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at Simmons University Graduate School of Social Work and in Sociology at Quincy College.

Beyond Policy: How Immigrant Status Impacts Mental Health
2026-06-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Zoom
Since January 2025, suicides have accounted for nearly 20% of all deaths in ICE custody, and nearly 80% of likely undocumented immigrants have reported negative health impacts due to immigration-related stress (KFF/NYT 2025 Survey of Immigrants). Navigating life in a new country is hard enough, but when state-sanctioned fear is used as a weapon, communities are paying the price with their mental health, their safety, and their lives.
As mental health care providers, community workers, and neighbors, we cannot look away. Join Samaritans and a panel of experts for an honest conversation about the trauma and chronic stress immigrants in the U.S. face, and how to support them. This webinar will:

Identify how the US immigration system impacts mental health through fear, hypervigilance, and dehumanization.
Discuss why those at most risk are often the least able to access suicide prevention resources, and how distrust of systems, language barriers, and immigration-related fears keep people from seeking help.
Explore the power of empathy in allyship to better protect vulnerable individuals. Suicide prevention must include everyone, and that means confronting unjust policies and conditions. We all play a role in protecting our neighbors.

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Alberto Vasallo, III

Alberto Vasallo, III is President and CEO of El Mundo Boston, an iconic Latino multimedia company that has been in the publishing, broadcasting and large-scale event business for the past 53 years in Boston. He has received numerous awards for his work in the community as well as for his groundbreaking events and exclusive and in-depth coverage of the Latino community through his various media platforms. He is part of a family that has become synonymous with Boston, as El Mundo Boston remains a family business. His father Alberto Vasallo, Jr. was born in Havana, Cuba and his mother, Flor, is a native of Ecuador, South America. Born and raised in Boston, Alberto is a graduate of Boston College High School (’85) and Boston College (’89) and in 2018 he received an honorary doctorate from his alma-mater Boston College, making him a Triple Eagle.

Heather Yountz

Heather Yountz is a Senior Immigration Attorney at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. Listed as one of Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers of 2022-24 and a 2018 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Heather received the 2023 Boston Bar Association’s President’s Award as part of a cohort of attorneys who worked on the Martha’s Vineyard Migrant’s Case. She also accepted the 2017 AILA New England Pro Bono Champion award after successfully challenging the Muslim Ban. Heather provided pro bono legal advice to Afghan parolees in U.S. military barracks, and she traveled to Tijuana to volunteer with asylum-seekers at the border.

Kiara Hernandez-De Assis
Kiara Hernandez-De Assis (she/her/hers) serves as the Manager of Quality Planning and Assurance at Samaritans, Inc. in Boston. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Suffolk University in 2018. Over the past four years, she has built experience in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, drawing on her lived experience to provide support and foster hope. As a Salvadoran- American and suicide attempt survivor, she recognizes the stigma around mental health within communities of color. She dedicates her work to giving a voice to those suffering in silence and reminding them that they are never alone.

Simona Badger, LCSW
Simona Badger, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Forensic Social Worker, and educator with over 17 years of experience at the intersection of mental health and the legal system. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Herbert H. Lehman College and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, specializing in Clinical Social Work and Law. Ms. Badger conducts immigration mental health evaluations for asylum, VAWA, T-Visa, U-Visa, Extreme Hardship, and Cancellation of Removal cases. She has trained hundreds of mental health professionals nationwide and provides expert witness testimony in legal proceedings.

Virtual SafePlace Meeting for Loss Survivors - Monthly on Saturday
2026-07-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Losing someone to suicide is a painful and difficult experience. Samaritans SafePlace meetings provide a forum for suicide loss survivors to explore feelings not often understood by others. Meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers who have lost someone to suicide.
SafePlace is not a professional therapy group, but rather a peer support group offering nonjudgmental listening, peer connection, and shared understanding. It offers a chance to share helpful resources, and to give and get support through the long process of grieving. Meetings are free, ongoing, and drop-in.
We understand that you may be unsure about discussing your loss in a virtual support group. Please review our Virtual SafePlace FAQs, which we hope will address any understandable concerns you may have about privacy and the dynamics of a virtual group.
This meeting is held:

First Saturday of each month
10:00 am – 11:30 am ET
After you register, we will follow up with Zoom meeting details.

RSVP

28th Annual Samaritans 5k, Ending Suicide Together
2026-09-26 08:00 - 13:00 | Artesani Park, 1255 Soldiers Field Rd, Brighton, MA, United States
Join us at the 28th Annual Samaritans 5K for a powerful morning of connection, reflection, and hope dedicated to ending suicide together. Each year this event brings our community together during Suicide Prevention Month to honor loved ones lost to suicide and reduce the stigma associated with mental health struggles.
Whether you walk, run, roll, or cheer from the sidelines, your presence supports free, lifesaving programs —crisis services, community education, and support for those affected by suicide. Attend as an individual, start a team, or sign up as a volunteer.
Together, we can create a world without suicide.

Register Now
