For anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the Suicide Hotline at 988 or Teen Lifeline at 602-248-8336 to speak or chat with a representative.
For the eighth consecutive year, Teen Lifeline has gathered high school students to help spread awareness and aim to end suicide.
In 2025, there were over 720,000 people who died by suicide, according to the World Health Organization. This is also the leading cause of death for people ages 15-29.
Teen Lifeline, a nonprofit that aims to end teen suicide, recently announced around 70 high school students across Arizona are part of its campaign to help spread the word about Teen Lifeline’s hotline in honor of September being named Suicide Awareness Month.
Aidan Whitaker, a senior at McClintock and a football receiver, said the campaign was personal after he had a family friend who died by suicide.
Aidan was one of three nominees from McClintock to be part of the project. He hopes to play college football after graduation and wants to spread awareness on depression and mental illness.
“I really hope these videos raise awareness so that people don’t resort to it as a way out,” he said.
Michelle Morrehead, executive director of Teen Lifeline, said the support nearly doubled between 2025 and 2026.
“The heart of Teen Lifeline is peer-to-peer connection. We’re hope that this empowers more people to reach out if they’re struggling,” Moorehead said.
Students are also encouraged to put a statement on their own social media channels, something Moorhead says is vital, as it is often the best way to access teenagers.
“Suicide can be prevented and it starts with a conversation. I’m so happy that these kids want to do that for their peers,” she said.
To learn more about Teen Lifeline or to find resources to support a teen in crisis visit Home | Teen Lifeline.
To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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