MEDFORD, Ore. – KOBI-TV NBC5 is proud to announce our suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiative, “Tomorrow Needs You” has won the 2026 Northwest Emmy award in the Community Outreach Category.
It’s an initiative in partnership with groups like the United Way of Jackson County to advocate for mental wellness and prevent suicide in our community. It aimed to bring awareness, education and hope to those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
NBC5 did it through stories like our Executive Producer Craig Smullin’s series on how the Medford Police Department addresses mental health issues in the community, highlighting local resources like Lines for Life and much more.
KOBI-TV Vice President and General Manager, Bob Wise said this award couldn’t have been done without our partners,
“Journalists didn’t normally report on suicides. TV stations kind of didn’t put a face to what was happening in our communities. That wasn’t working. We are not the experts; we’re a great conduit of getting that information out but the bottom line is we need their guidance to be able to make this happen.”
Wise adds that he and Executive Director and CEO of United Way of Jackson County Dee Anne Everson saw a need in the community. She said in this initiative, they brought key players together to reduce the stigma around tough conversations,
“Our suicide rate is too high. Tomorrow does need you, it’s important for everyone to know. The community is all of us and it takes all of us and we are responsible for one another.”
The awards ceremony was held in Seattle this past weekend.
If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis, call or text the national suicide and prevention lifeline 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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