With a new school year about here, Michigan students are being reminded of the OK2Say tipline. OK2Say was launched in 2014 as a way for students to anonymously seek help with threatening situations in their schools. Program Administrator Mary Gager Drew tells us OK2Say has received more than 45,000 tips that often lead to help for the affected students.
“Whether it’s a student who is struggling with self-harm or thoughts of suicide, students who are being mistreated by their peers, students who are abusing drugs or alcohol, the truth is that students know what’s going on in their school,” Gager Drew said.
The most common reports are about suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Other common reasons for tips are bullying, drugs, and anxiety. Gager Drew says it’s important for students to know about the service and know help will be on the way.
“We’ve been able to prevent school violent attacks, getting kids the help they need when they were thinking of suicide. So, there have been a number of positive interventions that have occurred because kids are doing the right thing.”
When a tip is submitted to OK2Say, the information is forwarded to the school, police, or another entity. Gager Drew says the goal is not to get anyone in trouble, but to help. With school starting back up, the program will make presentations in schools to keep students aware. To submit a tip to OK2Say, a student can just text 652729, or OK2Say.
How To Submit a Tip
If you receive a threat or know of a threat of violence against your community, please contact your local law enforcement or call 9-1-1. Non-emergency tips can be submitted the following ways:
Call: 8-555-OK2SAY, (855-565-2729 )
Text: 652729 (OK2SAY)
Email: OK2SAY
Visit: OK2SAY website
OK2SAY Mobile App: Available for download for Apple, Google and Android mobile devices.
