It remembers those who have lost their lives to addictions & overdoses.
Frederick, Md (KM) This coming Thursday, August 31st, “Frederick County Goes Purple.” It’s an event at Baker Park to remember those residents who lost their lives to substance abuse and overdoses. “This is a space where those of us who have family members and friends and co-workers can come together and stand and honor those we’ve lost,:” says Jonathan Switzer, with Crossed Bridges, a non-profit which is helping to put on the vent.
It’s described as a “grassroots call to action to unify and educate our Frederick County Community to reduce substance-related deaths and overdoses,” according to information on the Crossed Bridges website.
Switzer says there will be a memorial set up with the names of all those who lost their lives to substance abuse and overdoses, and “Frederick County Goes Purple” tee-shirts will be sold with the names of every local resident who died from substance abuse.
A vigil will take place from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM.
About 150 to 200 people are expected to attend.
Switzer says it’s a way to honor those who have passed away, but also help those battling addictions. “The recognition that these lives that were lost are very valuable to us. Let’s just see if we can honor their memory by living well together,” he says.
Along with honoring those who were lost, Switzer says it’s also a chance to learn about Purple-Certified training. “It’s a five-video series taught by those that are in the trenches here in Frederick to know how to lean in and care for those who are in recovery,” he says.
Those in recovery can’t do it alone. “When somebody chooses recovery, they can’t do it without us,” says Switzer. “We can’t decide for them to choose recovery. When they choose recovery, they can’t do that without us.”
Even if you don’t have a family member or friend who was lost to addictions and overdoses, Switzer says you are invited to come to “Frederick County Goes Purple. “I think just about everyone of us knows somebody who either has a family member or has been personally affected by addictions and by overdoses,” he says.
“Frederick County Goes Purple” corresponds with September as National Recovery Month which is associated with the color purple.
By Kevin McManus