Avenues Recovery, a drug and alcohol rehab in Maryland would like to spread the word about a fantastic upcoming addiction awareness event. On September 14, 2024, the heart of Leonardtown Square will come alive as the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) hosts its third annual St. Mary’s Goes Purple Walk for Recovery. From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., community members will gather to support those recovering from substance use disorders, promote awareness, and challenge the stigma often associated with addiction and mental health issues.
The Walk for Recovery is a free event that welcomes everyone—residents, local businesses, and community organizations—to join in solidarity with individuals and families affected by addiction. While registration is encouraged, it's not mandatory, making it easy for anyone to participate. For those interested in signing up, online registration is available.
Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer, underscored the significance of community involvement in combating the challenges of addiction. She emphasized that addiction has deeply impacted many lives in the St. Mary’s County community and urged everyone to participate in the event to show support for those in recovery and help reduce the stigma surrounding this disease.
According to The Southern Maryland Chronicle, this year’s event promises a rich array of activities, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Attendees can look forward to recovery-themed poetry readings, lawn games, face and rock painting, music, and giveaways. For those interested in learning more about life-saving interventions, free training on the use of Naloxone/Narcan®—a medication designed to reverse opioid overdoses—will be offered.
The event is made possible through the collaboration of various local organizations, including the Commissioners of Leonardtown, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad. Their joint efforts highlight the community's commitment to addressing the challenges of addiction head-on.
The St. Mary’s Goes Purple Walk for Recovery is part of the larger Go Purple campaign, a movement aimed at ending stigma and providing crucial resources related to mental health and substance use disorders. The campaign serves as a beacon of hope, offering education, support, and tools for both prevention and recovery.
The Walk for Recovery is more than just an event; it's a movement that seeks to inspire, educate, and empower the St. Mary’s County community. It’s an opportunity to stand together, show support for those on the path to recovery, and contribute to a collective response to the addiction crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, know that help is available. The St. Mary’s Goes Purple initiative is here to guide and support you on your journey to recovery.
Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and be a part of this vital event. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against addiction and the stigma that surrounds it. See you at Leonardtown Square on September 14!
If you or your loved one are struggling with an addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery to receive the help you deserve. We have helped thousands of people reach sobriety and we can help you too.