CHESTERTOWN — Overdose Awareness Day was Saturday, Aug. 31, here in Fountain Park and around the world.
Internationally, it’s the largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.
The theme for 2024 is “Together We Can,” highlighting the power of community when we all stand together.
The event in Chestertown offered local resources and support, a “speaker jam” that included testimonials from people who are in recovery and a candlelight vigil to share the message of remembrance, healing and hope.
Today — Sunday, Sept. 1 — kicks off National Recovery Month to raise awareness about addiction treatment and recovery. Purple is the designated color for overdose and recovery awareness.
Kent Goes Purple is a substance abuse awareness and prevention initiative of the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and the Chestertown Rotary Club, in partnership with Kent County Health Department’s Prevention Office, that empowers youth and the community to “Go Purple” as a sign of taking a stand against substance abuse.
The signature event is Sept. 8 in Wilmer Park — a 5K color run/walk at 8:30 a.m., to be followed by a Purple Jamboree with music, family fun and entertainment from 10 to 11 a.m.
For more information, see www.KentGoesPurple.org.
