Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester County to Kick Off this Year’s Go Purple Projects at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium

Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County Health Departments are pleased to partner with each county’s Go Purple Substance Misuse Awareness programs to host a Tri-County Go Purple Kick-Off Event at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium on August 21, 2021 during a Delmarva Shorebirds game against the Fredericksburg Nationals. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. with pregame activities taking place at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will follow this event.

This family-friendly event kicks off Go Purple initiatives for all three counties that focus on spreading awareness about substance misuse and recovery through the end of September which is National Recovery Month. Resources available during the event include educational materials, Naloxone trainings, and purple-themed giveaways which will help spark conversations around substance misuse. “These conversations not only help educate our community, but also assist in reducing the stigma surrounding addiction, which is so important,” says Wicomico County Opioid Coordinator and Wicomico Goes Purple Co-Chair, Christina Bowie-Simpson.

In 2019, 70 residents in the Tri-County region lost their lives to drug and alcohol related deaths, and in January-September 2020, the same region already lost 67 lives with three months still left in the year. These devastating statistics illustrate the increasing need for this project throughout our region.

Additionally, COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered at this event. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available for those who wish to get vaccinated.

Special thanks to Worcester County and the Lower Shore Health Insurance Assistance Program (LSHIAP) – Maryland Health Connection (MHC) for sponsoring the fireworks at this important event which is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

For more information please contact Christina-Bowie-Simpson, Wicomico County Opioid Coordinator and Go Purple Co-Chair at christina.bowie@maryland.gov or (443)-977-7994. If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, help is available. Please visit somersethealth.org, wicomicohealth.org or worcesterhealth.org for more information and resources.

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