13 September 2010

NPS is once again a supporting partner of R U OK? Day, which will be held this year on 7 October.

R U OK? Day aims to inspire Australians to connect with their friends, loved ones and colleagues by reaching out to anyone doing it tough and simply asking: “Are you OK?”

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show up to 2,500 Australians take their lives each year, while 25,000 are admitted to hospital for intentional self-injury.

“NPS is proud to be closely involved with R U OK? Day,” NPS CEO Dr Lynn Weekes said.

“We’ve done a lot of work around the medicines use challenges for people with depression and other mental illnesses. Helping people understand the role of medicine and non medicine treatments, as well as how to communicate effectively with their health professional, can make a big difference in how these illnesses are managed.”

This year’s message is that in the time it takes to have a coffee you can start a conversation that could change a life. Focus is on workplaces, as this is where Australians spend most of their time.

To promote workplace participation in R U OK? Day businesses can nominate themselves for the inaugural R U OK? at Work award. The award encourages excellence and innovation in implementing R U OK? at Work and will be judged by representatives of the Australian Human Resources Institute, SANE Australia, beyondblue and RUOK? Day.

To help GPs understand more about R U OK? Day, and be prepared for possible increases in patients coming forward with depression, information packs will be sent to practices across Australia.

“As a nation we need to help people before they reach this point. Participating in R U OK? Day is a simple way for both businesses and individuals to show they care, and I encourage everyone in the health sector to get involved,” Dr Weekes said.

Further information, including free ‘how to start a conversation’ packs which include an overview of the day and the issues, a guide for team leaders and a guide for people who may not be OK, can be found at www.ruokday.com.au/

ENDS

Independent, evidence-based and not-for-profit, NPS enables better decisions about medicines and medical tests.We are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.