42 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JANUARY 2020 only spread awareness of the hotline but address topics such as bullying, stress, grief, coping and suicide prevention. “What we’re doing in schools, classrooms and the community at large, and also what we’re doing on the hotline, is all about trying to connect with kids, help them feel hopeful and providing the support they need so that they can live great lives,” Moorhead said. THE FUTURE In September 2019, the Mitch Warnock Act was signed, which requires all school personnel in Arizona grades six through 12 to get training in suicide prevention, identification and referrals for students on their campus. Moorhead explained that partnering with the schools to train the personnel and students will be a significant focus for Teen Lifeline moving forward. “We know that with suicide prevention, if we can reach kids before suicide becomes a problem, and if we can help them have better coping skills and more positive adults they can reach out to for support, that we will have a better chance of preventing suicide from becoming an issue — that whole idea of connection,” Moorhead said. “We’re going to be focusing on that for the next few years in terms of how we are training more people at schools, how we’re training more teens to know that there is help and how to access that help when they need it.” Another area of focus for the organization is working on determining a way to measure outcomes. “One of the things we’re looking at is how we measure a sense of connection and hopefulness for the future. And how do we measure those things with what we’re doing on the hotline?” Moorhead said. “We know what we’re doing is saving lives. I have seen it on the hotline. I’ve seen it in the community. I’ve seen it firsthand. But how do I prove that to everybody else? That’s a big push for us, looking at data and looking at how we can collect and analyze data to be able not only to tell the story of a person, but to say, this is what our metrics are telling us.” Catie Richman CONTRIBUTING WRITER catie@frontdoorsmedia.com In Maricopa County: 602.248.8336 (TEEN) Statewide in Arizona: 800.248.8336 (TEEN) The metrics will help the nonprofit further develop their programs and hopefully shed light on how to better reach more teens across the state. But for teens who need support, each phone call or text message or conversation or connection is a chance for healing and hope for the future. For more information, visit teenlifeline.org . TEEN LIFELINE IS THERE TO LISTEN AND HELP

As we kick off 2020 many of us will also be kicking off our New Year’s resolutions, and some of these may involve our pets. While resolutions like working to eat healthier foods and to get more exercise can benefit both you and your pet, pet parents often overlook the need to schedule regular wellness care for their pets. Basic veterinary care like spaying/neutering, vaccinations and dental check-ups can help avoid serious, and often costly, medical issues. While this just may be a matter of finding time during busy schedules for some, for others who are experiencing life challenges such as homelessness, illness and domestic violence, the obstacles are greater. Thanks to people like you who are passionate about pets, PetSmart Charities provides funding to communities across North America that helps pet parents in these and other situations stay with their pets by providing resources and the necessary care that pets need to remain healthy. {PetSmart Charities} THE PAW REPORT SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION HELP PETS & PEOPLE IN NEED EVERY DONATION HELPS In 2018 PetSmart Charities granted over $42.8 million dollars to improve access to veterinary care , to positively impact communities, to connect people and pets and to help keep people and pets together. NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION GIVE TODAY Throughout the year, there are various ways you can help pets in the Valley and in communities across North America. When you donate, more than 90 cents of every dollar go directly to help pets in need. Learn more about ways to give at: petsmartcharities.org/get-involved