WICOMICO COUNTY, Md.- In the next couple of days you may see purple lighting up the streets in Wicomico County. Wicomico County is participating in a substance abuse awareness program that will engage the community to stand up against substance abuse.
As Bryan Lloyd gives out cake to to his community, you would never know he was once an drug addict.
"I thought maybe drugs would numb the pain I was feeling inside. I ended up using about $2,000 worth of heroine a week" mentions Lloyd.
Lloyd is a pastor at SonRise Church in Salisbury Md. He changed his life for the better and helps 30 people a year with treatment. Lloyd says it's time to end the stigma of addiction and join Wicomico Goes Purple.
"This program is going to bring the walls down, with no shame or guilt. I want to people to know that they can reach out. There's a lot of people like myself that are willing to help" explains Lloyd.
Wicomico County is joining the nine other counties on the Eastern Shore to increase opioid awareness. In 2018, 36 people in Wicomico County died from an overdose. Talbot County was the first county on Delmarva to go purple. The Go Purple slogan originated from the purple movement. Chris Herren, a former professional basketball player started the project. Herren was an former addict himself and now shares his story across the country.
Stephanie Willie is the chair of Wicomico Goes Purple. She wants the public to know substance abuse can happen to anyone.
"This does start at home, I think parents and family members need to be mindful. If someone is acting out of sorts and their behavior or personality has changed, you need to be aware. If they not acting the way they normally do, you need to start asking questions. It is important to look around and see whats going on. As a community, we need to be aware of what the signs of substance abuse are" explains Willie.
Curtis Paul is the executive director of the Recovery Resource Center in Salisbury, Md. He is joining local businesses to light the streets up purple and spread the message.
"The purple banners, the purple signs, the purple stickers, the town is going to wonder what is going on. They will ask what is this go purple about. It is important to let the community realize that addiction can be everywhere" mentions Paul.
Stephanie Willie says the Wicomico Goes Purple is just the beginning for the town. Wicomico County wants you to join them at the Go Purple for the Boat Parade on September 10th. Downtown Salisbury is hosting a window-decorating contest to increase opioid awareness. The judging will take place on Sep. 9th, at 1:30 p.m. The winners will be announced on Sep. 13th. You can join Wicomico County for A Night of Hope, downtown Salisbury. The event will also be held on Sep. 13th.
All of these events can be found on their website, including more information on these events at Wicomico Goes Purple.
