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The Council on Substance Abuse (COSA) is observing its annual R U OK? Day campaign on Thursday, September 10, 2026. This campaign is a worthy cause to participate in and support while making a difference. One simple question, "5R U Ok?" can lead individuals to meaningful conversations with family, friends, clients, customers, patients, and colleagues who might be struggling with life and need to be connected to services before they are in crisis or considering suicide.
WHAT IS R U OK DAY?
R U OK Day? is a public health promotion observance that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. Founded in Australia in 2009 by Gavin Larkin, who tragically lost his father to suicide in 1995, this day is meant to honor his father and try to protect other families from the pain his father endured. Gavin chose to champion just one question – “Are you OK?” Mr. Larkin championed this message until cancer ended his life in 2011. One que
WHY PARTICIPATE IN R U OK DAY?
Mental health is a national crisis in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2024, 834 Alabamians died by suicide. R U OK? Day is at least one day of the year when we can meaningfully connect with others who might be struggling. It’s also a way to reach out and demonstrate that we genuinely care. However, the spirit of R U OK? goes beyond the day itself. It’s about embracing these conversations as a part of our culture and how we work collectively to support each other.
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN R U OK DAY?
- Identify 1 - 25 employees to serve as R U Ok Day? Ambassadors in your organization. These individuals will receive FREE
- Purchase R U Ok Day? T-shirts for your ambassadors and staff to wear on 9/10 (at a minimum, t-shirts should be purchased for your ambassadors. The cost per shirt is $20 and $28 with your company's logo
- Distribute R U Ok Day? Information and community resources cards throughout the community on 9/10
Attend COSA’s R U Ok Day? evening Celebration for all ambassadors
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN R U OKAY DAY? CAMPAIGN
- Opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s mission
- Increased community exposure and/or business
- Building team morale at your company/organization
- Ambassadors receive Self-Care Kits
- Organization receives Resource Kits on the day of R U Ok? Day event and two (2) tickets to evening reception on 9/10
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