October 2nd is recognized as World No Alcohol Day, a day that when the World Health Organization looks to bring awareness to alcohol being a leading cause of death around the world.

Karen Anthony-Burns is a coordinator with the Prince Albert and Area Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee (CASSC) and says they’re also promoting a Sober October. She says even a “sober-er” October if people don’t feel like a full month is possible, they can take a break for a week or two weeks, to see the potential health benefits. Anthony-Burns says there are a lot of problems in Prince Albert and surrounding community associated with alcohol abuse and this is a day to bring awareness to that.

With recent SLGA data showing alcohol shipments to Prince Albert have increased by 20% the CASSC says no alcohol day is one way to support a cultural change, to the relationship with alcohol the community has. Anthony-Burns says during October it might be a good time for people to look at their alcohol consumption, and make a plan to consume on a healthier basis. She adds they’ve even challenged bars and restaurants to create a special mocktail to promote No alcohol day.

CASSC will be promoting Sober October all month long through their facebook page, and Anthony-Burns hopes people will challenge their friends to join.