Sussex health coalition leader to be honored at statewide gala Oct. 16

Attack Addiction will hold its Be a Hero gala at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Executive Banquet Center near Newark. 

A medal of honor will be presented to Peggy Geisler, executive director of the Sussex County Health Coalition. The organization leads the Delaware Goes Purple movement, champions behavioral health outreach in Sussex County and has been a strong partner with Attack Addiction.

For almost 20 years, the coalition has worked to bring the entire community together to improve the health and well-being of children, youth and families across Sussex County, including reducing overdose deaths, supporting prevention and recovery initiatives, and increasing access to behavioral health supports for children and families. Delaware Goes Purple is a statewide movement dedicated to reducing stigma and raising awareness about substance use disorder, and celebrating recovery. In its seventh year, the Delaware Goes Purple initiative unites communities, schools, businesses, faith groups and other leaders with a simple message: Recovery is possible.

“For years, Peggy Geisler and the Sussex County Health Coalition have been leaders in the response to the opioid epidemic by bringing the community together and connecting more people to harm-reduction, treatment and recovery services,” said Jeanne Keister, co-founder of Attack Addiction. “Under Peggy’s leadership, Delaware Goes Purple has become a statewide movement bringing groups together to raise awareness, reduce the stigma and embrace Delawareans in recovery. The ongoing response from Peggy and the Sussex County Health Coalition has always been: How can we help? In recognition of these and many other efforts, Attack Addiction is proud to honor Peggy Geisler for her leadership at our 10th Be a Hero Gala.”

“In my early career as a therapist, I repeatedly encountered clients who suffered from addictions that led to the disintegration of families, friends and individuals’ lives,” Geisler said. “I have a personal experience in my family, and know firsthand the collateral emotional and financial damage. I feel strongly that this disease is preventable, medical and spiritual for those who suffer from it. I believe we all can play a role in society to offer solutions, supports and compassion.”

Geisler and additional winners will be honored for supporting individuals living with substance use disorder, their families and those in recovery.

In the 12 years since Attack Addiction was founded in 2013, more than 4,500 lives in Delaware have been unnecessarily lost to overdoses. Attack Addiction, a statewide, almost all-volunteer nonprofit, raises awareness of the disease of addiction; assists individuals and families with prevention, treatment and recovery information and resources; and supports people living in recovery. Attack Addiction owns five recovery residences across the state and operates a resource center in Glasgow with community partner Impact Life. To learn more, go to attackaddiction.org.