Delaware Goes Purple to fight opioid addiction

With the goals to end the stigma of addiction and to share that recovery is possible, the Sussex County Health Coalition team announced this year’s Delaware Goes Purple campaign is underway, covering all aspects of the opioid crisis.

This year, Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long will serve as honorary chair for the third time. Organizers appreciate the significant community support for the campaigns over the last four years and ask everyone to get involved this year in the following ways: Sign the pledge at delawaregoespurple.org, Go Purple in October, sponsor a purple-themed event, and donate to the campaign.

Hashtags to use on social media posts include #StandUpAgainstSubstanceAbuse! and #DEGoesPurple. 

With the help of community members and sponsors Highmark Delaware, Matt Haley Trust, Beebe Healthcare, Bayhealth, ChristianaCare, WBOC and United Way of Delaware, the campaign has reached more than 150,000 Delawareans yearly with information on treatment and prevention, and messages of hope.

Last year, more than 100 organizations actively engaged over 5,000 people to participate in Delaware Goes Purple events and campaigns including the Rocking for Recovery event in June, thanks to the generous donation of space at the Hudson Fields.

However, there is still much to do, and organizers aim to double these numbers and increase prevention initiatives statewide with everyone’s support.