Delaware Goes Purple in October to raise awareness of opioid addiction

Delaware Goes Purple returns for its fourth year in October, turning the state purple to defeat opioid addiction and raise awareness of substance use.

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons are this year’s co-chairs for Delaware Goes Purple.

“I am thrilled to once again join as honorary co-chair to launch the Delaware Goes Purple Campaign,” said Hall-Long. “Every day, our friends, family and neighbors are struggling with substance use disorder and behavioral health. Let’s help them by breaking down the stigma with education and awareness, and provide them with the treatment and resources they deserve. I urge every community in our state to Go Purple and join us, along with all the devoted organizations and partners, as we mobilize our entire state to stand up and fight this epidemic. No one has to struggle alone. Let’s make sure they know it!”

Peggy Geisler, executive director of Sussex County Health Coalition, which started and coordinates Delaware Goes Purple, noted that the events in Delaware are set up to coordinate with October being National Recovery Month.

Recognized each October in the United States, National Recovery Month was founded in 1989. Purple was selected as the recovery movement’s official color.

“Substance use hits home for many, even more so because of the COVID-19 pandemic. People lost loved ones. They lost their jobs and their sense of stability,” Geisler said. “Last year, 447 people died in overdose deaths in Delaware. That’s an increase from 431 the year before. We can end this. It is 100 percent preventable. But everyone must take a role. In past years, more than 1,000 people individually and through their organizations signed pledge cards to raise awareness about opioid addiction. The goal in 2021 is to reach even more, which means all of us need to spread the word by having parents, kids, friends and organizations sign on. A few minutes can save lives,” Geisler said.

“Let’s create opportunities for us to celebrate life free of substance use and show Delaware’s commitment to fighting addiction,” Geisler said.

Delaware Goes Purple wants Delaware residents to:

• Sign the online pledge at delawaregoespurple.org
• Attend a Narcan training or host a Narcan education site
• Host an event at work, school or church and encourage everyone to wear purple
• Share support on social media and tag #DelawareGoesPurple 
• Contact legislators about supporting addiction programs and resources at legis.delaware.gov
• Share personal use and recovery experiences.