Salisbury, MD
Wicomico Goes Purple (WGP) is excited to announce they will be kicking off year six of their substance misuse awareness campaign. The Go Purple project aims to educate our community on the dangers of substance misuse and encourages individuals to light their homes and businesses purple, and wear purple to spark conversations within our community, especially among youth. WGP shares local resources to assist individuals who may be struggling with a substance use disorder and supports individuals on their paths to recovery, all while hoping to shatter the stigma of addiction.
Substance use disorders are ravaging our community and unfortunately, overdose deaths are on the rise. “By going purple, and raising awareness around substance misuse, we can begin to dispel the stigma that surrounds it, in hopes that more people struggling will reach out for help” says Matthew McConaughey, Wicomico County Health Officer.
The Go Purple campaign will kick off on August 31st 2024 with the Tri-County Goes Purple kick-off event and will run the entire month of September, which is National Recovery Month. The community can get involved in many ways. There is also a list of activities and events that will be taking place throughout the month that the community is encouraged and welcome to attend:
● Tri-County Goes Purple Kick-Off Event – 8/31/24, 6:30 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, Shorebirds Game with fireworks
● Shatter the Stigma Walk – 9/28/24, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Wor-Wic Community College
● Local Management Board Dress for Success Clothing Drive now through September 18th. Drop off location Wicomico Civic Center (500 Glen Ave. Salisbury) and Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children (110 N. Division St. STE #108 Salisbury)
● Wicomico Goes Purple and Worcester Goes Purple Toiletry Drive through the whole month of September. There are several drop off locations throughout the counties.
If you have any questions regarding the events or the project, please contact Michelle Hardy at michelle.hardy@maryland.gov or by calling (410) 543-6981. If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, please call the Wicomico County COAT program 24/7 at (443) 783-6875 or visit the Wicomico County Safe Station 24/7 located at 726 S. South Blvd, Salisbury MD (inside of the Recovery Resource Center).
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