Tara Nichols and Melissa Martinez were honored to attend the screening of Paper Airplanes, a deeply moving film that follows a woman carrying the profound grief of suicide after the loss of her husband.

The story was a powerful reminder that grief does not have to be carried alone. Sometimes, one call, one text, one conversation, or simply sitting beside someone and letting them know they are seen can make an immeasurable difference. Through the Nichols Center’s Take Eight Initiative, we challenge communities to take just eight minutes to connect with someone who may need encouragement, support, or a reminder that they matter. Reach out to a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker, or loved one. Ask how they are really doing. Listen without judgment. Your connection could be the moment that helps someone feel less alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It was also an incredible privilege to serve as a guest panelist for the Georgia International Latino Film Festival. The conversation reinforced the urgent importance of culturally responsive mental-health programs that create meaningful access, build trust, reduce stigma, and make space for Latino communities to have the difficult—but life-saving—conversations around mental health. Connection is powerful. Culture matters. And every person deserves to know that help, hope, and support are within reach. #TakeEightInitiative #NicholsCenter #988Lifeline #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters CulturallyResponsiveCare LatinoMentalHealth GeorgiaInternationalLatinoFilmFestival PaperAirplanes