DOVER, Del.- Hundreds of Delawareans on Wednesday night took part in Delaware Goes Purple's event focusing on reducing the impact of opioid addiction in communities across the state and better understanding the disease.
The event featured groups across the state that help organize "going purple" efforts in counties and municipalities in Delaware that help bring attention to the effects of the opioid and heroin epidemic and encourage people dealing with addiction to seek out treatment.
The event's keynote speaker was former NBA player Chris Herren, who detailed his struggle with addiction to drugs and his efforts for recovery. He said he hoped to encourage event participants to not be afraid to recognize when someone is struggling with addiction and that removing the stigma surrounding the condition.
"I believe the more education, the more awareness, and the more we do around this we will be looked upon as a people who deserve help, who deserve treatment," he said in an interview.
So far, 219 Delawareans have died from overdoses. The state division of public health says 38 of the suspected overdose deaths have occurred in Kent County.