Cochise County's R U OK Program: A Lifeline For Residents

A lot of us depend on friends and family for support. But what if your support system isn’t close by?

We have a very special lifeline in Cochise County that can offer a listening ear when you need one, or just a connection with another human voice. It’s also a backup plan to make sure there’s someone available to check in on you, even when you may not be able to reach out for help.

woman sitting on wheelchair — Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash

The program is called R U OK, and in a recent show, Carol Capas and Grady Butler spent some time on First Watch with Sheriff Mark Dannels discussing what this program is and how it helps in Cochise County.

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A Local Lifeline for Everyday People

Cochise County’s lifeline is available to anyone who needs a little extra support. The R U OK program is a simple but meaningful way to help residents stay safe. The program is great if you or your loved one lives alone or lacks regular support nearby.

R U OK is run by the Sheriff’s Office in partnership with United Way of Sierra Vista and Cochise County, and the Elder Abuse Task Force. The program uses scheduled automated calls to check in on participants at times they choose. You can even register on behalf of a loved one for this free service.

Elderly woman talking on a mobile phone. — Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy on Unsplash

It’s not just for seniors, either. Anyone who wants an extra layer of reassurance can sign up. For many people, that quick daily call becomes more than a routine; it’s a continuous reminder that someone is looking out for them.

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What Happens When a Call Goes Unanswered

The way it works is simple: you schedule check-in calls at regular intervals, and you can designate the days, times, and number of calls when you sign up.

If a participant doesn’t answer the call after repeated attempts, the system doesn’t just move on. It escalates. That might mean notifying designated emergency contacts, and in some cases, a sheriff’s deputy will be dispatched to conduct a real-life welfare check.

Two women talking in comfortable chairs — Photo by Age Cymru on Unsplash

This type of “telephone reassurance” system is being used nationwide to support vulnerable populations. That’s a real-world helping hand: if something goes wrong, help isn’t far behind.

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Why It Matters in a Rural County

On First Watch with Sheriff Mark Dannels, Sheriff Dannels credited Public Information Officer Carol Capas with helping to bring the R U OK program to Cochise County.

Sheriff Dannels went on to say, “[The R U OK program] means if you live alone, you're elderly, or whatever the case may be, and you don't have family, [or] a lot of support around…an automated system from our dispatch center calls, and if you don't answer, that automatically triggers sending a deputy to go check on [you]. And so I think it's a great program.”

In a large, rural area like Cochise County, where neighbors can be miles apart, programs like this aren’t just helpful, they’re necessary. The Sheriff’s Office continues to offer the service free of charge because it fills a critical gap in community care.

The R U OK program helps you navigate these interesting times by doing something deeply human: checking in, paying attention, and making sure no one is forgotten.

To learn more or sign up, click here: Cochise County R U Ok & Vulnerable Population Registration