Delaware Goes Purple returns for its fourth year this month, turning the First State purple in an effort to raise awareness of substance use and defeat opioid addiction.

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., are this year’s co-chairpersons for the initiative.

“I am thrilled to once again join as honorary co-chair to launch the Delaware Goes Purple Campaign,” Lt. Gov. Hall-Long said. “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, the organization that started and coordinates Delaware Goes Purple, noted that events in Delaware are set up to coincide with October also being National Recovery Month.

Recognized each October in the US, National Recovery Month was founded in 1989 and 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,” Ms. Geisler said.

She added that Delaware Goes Purple aims to reach as many people as possible to help remove the stigma of substance use and addiction.

“Last year, 447 people died in overdose deaths in Delaware. That’s an increase from 431 the year before,” Ms. Geisler said. “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 Ms. Geisler said means “all of us need to spread the word by having parents, kids, friends, and organizations sign on. A few minutes can save lives.”

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

Delaware Goes Purple wants Delaware residents to:

• Sign the online pledge at www.delawaregoespurple.org

• Attend or host a Narcan training and education site

• Host an event at work, school, or church and encourage everyone to wear purple

• Share your support on social media (tag Delaware Goes Purple)

• Contact legislators about supporting addiction programs and resources: legis.delaware.gov

• Share personal use and recovery experiences

To learn more about Delaware Goes Purple, visit www.delawaregoespurple.org.