EMPLOYEES ENCOURAGED TO WEAR PURPLE AND TEAL

Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) will observe Suicide Awareness Day on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, joining communities across the nation in raising awareness about suicide prevention, mental health and the importance of reaching out for help.

In recognition of the day, all OCSD employees are encouraged to wear purple and teal as a visible demonstration of support, compassion and hope for individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by suicide. And, for OCSD, the observance is about more than wearing colors. It is an opportunity to remind employees, students and families that mental health matters, conversations matter and asking for help is a sign of strength.

“Suicide is a difficult subject, but silence does not protect people,” said Joyce McDaniel-Felder, OCSD Mental Health Facilitator. “We have to be willing to talk openly about mental health, recognize when someone may be struggling and remind one another that help is available. Sometimes a conversation, a check-in or simply letting someone know, ‘I see you, and I am here for you,’ can make a difference. We want every member of our OCSD family to know that their life has value and they do not have to struggle alone, she shared.”

September is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Month, providing an important opportunity to increase awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and connect individuals with resources and support. OCSD Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster said the September 9 observance reflects the District’s broader responsibility to care for the whole person.

“We talk often about the importance of creating schools and workplaces where people feel that they belong, and that commitment must include caring for one another’s emotional and mental well-being,” Dr. Foster said. “On September 9, wearing purple and teal is a simple gesture, but the message behind it is powerful: you matter, your life matters and there are people who care about you. I encourage our employees not only to wear the colors, but to be intentional about checking on one another, listening without judgment and helping create a culture where no one feels they have to suffer in silence, he continued.”

OCSD provides mental health supports designed to assist students experiencing emotional challenges, including trauma-informed care, grief and loss support and other supportive services. The District also provides social-emotional and evidence-based training for faculty and staff to strengthen awareness and understanding of mental health needs.

The District encourages employees to use September 9 as an opportunity to begin conversations that extend well beyond a single day. Individuals experiencing a mental health or suicide-related crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service provides confidential crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

About Orangeburg County School District

Orangeburg County School District is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities and support services that prepare every student for success. Through a continued focus on academic achievement, operational excellence, strong community partnerships and student-centered service, OCSD works each day to ensure students throughout Orangeburg County have the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive. www.ocsdsc.org