Arizona high school football players hope to prevent teen suicide with PSAs

PHOENIX — High school football players across the Valley are doing their part to help prevent teen suicide.

They’re appearing on public service announcements that are part of a campaign designed to provide messages of hope to teens who may be struggling with depression, anxiety or thoughts of suicide.

The PSAs feature 15 football players from a dozen high schools in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. They will appear on the players’ and the schools’ social media pages, as well as during morning announcements on high school campuses throughout September for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Teen Lifeline is teaming up with the football players and Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club on this campaign.

“Collaborations with organizations like GCSGC and high school athletes are critical in spreading the message that there is hope and help available to teens who need it,” Michelle Moorhead, Teen Lifeline executive director, said in a statement.

“These PSAs make a big impact because teens trust their peers.”

This comes as Teen Lifeline is receiving more calls and texts from teens throughout Arizona than it has in its 30-year history.

Teens who are struggling are encouraged to call Teen Lifeline at 602-248-TEEN (8336) or 800-248-TEEN. Teens can also text with a teen peer counselor at 602-248-8336 between noon and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. on weekends.

Teen peer counselors staff the hotline from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily. Trained, professional counselors are available at all other times.

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