Why “Reach Out. Check In.”?

Every day in the United States alone, there are approximately 95 deaths by suicide. That’s more than 30,000 a year, a staggering and largely preventable scenario. Suicide is so common in our society that it is very likely that you or someone you know has been touched by this tragedy. And chances are, you, like many in that situation, felt powerless to do anything about it.

But you can do something about it.

Reach Out. Check In. Save a Life.

An initiative of La Frontera Arizona and its community partners, Reach Out. Check In. is an effort created to promote positive, life-affirming human interaction, and to show that interacting with another in times of stress and struggle can make a substantial difference in their lives. We all need to realize that reaching out to connect with someone who might be struggling can help. It may even save a life.

And it can be as simple as saying “hello” to someone at school or work who seems to be alone, having a cup of coffee with a neighbor, going to dinner with a family member, taking a walk with someone who needs to talk, or just listening. Because people will tell you when they’re in trouble, if not in words, then in tone or demeanor or action. Reach Out. Check In. reminds us that something as simple as a smile or a conversation can go a long way in showing that you care. You are not asked to solve someone’s problems, but you are encouraged to listen, to connect, to reach out and check in.

If you’d like to join us in this effort or you’d like more information about Reach Out. Check In. please call 1-855-269-2222. But if you or someone you know is in crisis, call our 24/7 Hotline at 1-800-273-Talk (8255) NOW.