Pitt County and ECU unite for R U Ok? Day to promote mental health awareness
Contact: Dr. LaNika Wright, 252-328-6841, wrightla@ecu.edu
Event Date: March 26
GREENVILLE, N.C. (3/24/2025) — East Carolina University and its community partners will mark R U OK? Day on March 26 with events that promote mental health awareness and encourage open conversations about health and well-being.
ECU, the Greenville–Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, Pitt Community College, Pitt County government, Pitt County Schools, the city of Greenville and a variety of leading employers including Hyster-Yale Material Handling, Orthopedics East and Attendas are teaming up for the event that is part of “You Matter” ECU week (March 24-28) and will feature mental health check-ins, a health and well-being fair and a campus-wide movie night.
Partner organizations will provide additional programming, including a full week at Pitt Community College and activities at all 30 Pitt County Schools locations. County commissioners will issue a proclamation declaring March 26 R U OK? Day in Pitt County.
Together, more than 50,000 students and employees in Pitt County will be reached by the R U OK? initiative.
ECU’s Main Campus Student Center lawn will host a Health and Well-Being Fair from 12-2 p.m. while the Health Sciences Campus will hold a similar fair from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mental health check-ins will also be available at various campus locations. Partner organizations will be on site to support the event.
Mental health is a critical part of overall well-being, influencing personal relationships, workplace productivity and community health, organizers said. R U OK? Day fosters a culture of care by encouraging people to check in on one another and have meaningful conversations about mental health. A simple question — “Are you OK?” — can make a profound difference in someone’s life.
“We are excited to bring the community together for R U OK? Day to spark conversations and support mental health awareness. This event is a meaningful way to check in on one another and make a real difference for a good cause,” said Isabella Jimenez-Vargas, a student in ECU’s Immersive MBA program.
With nearly one in five U.S. adults experiencing mental illness each year, many struggle in silence due to stigma or lack of awareness about available resources. Encouraging open dialogue helps break down these barriers and ensures that more people receive the support they need, organizers said.
In Pitt County, local organizations and businesses are coming together to prioritize mental health and make resources more accessible. By participating in R U OK? Day, individuals and workplaces contribute to a more supportive community where mental well-being is valued and no one feels alone.
To find out more about R U OK?, visit https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources
To get involved, follow these steps: Check with someone by asking “Are you OK?,” listen with an open mind, encourage action by supporting them in seeking help and check in again later. ECU and PCC students can attend campus events, and businesses and schools are encouraged to participate. Help spread awareness by sharing online with #RUOKDayPC.
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East Carolina University News Services
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Phone: 252-328-6481
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