Bel Air Glows Purple For National Recovery Month

BEL AIR, MD — Buildings in Harford County will be illuminated purple in September to recognize National Recovery Month, including in Bel Air.

"Celebrating Recovery Month is more important than ever as the pandemic has disrupted recovery routines and communities," County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement.

"Isolation, stress, anxiety, unemployment and depression have contributed to this year's 5.8 percent increase in fatal overdoses and a 64 percent increase in relapse of individuals in long-term recovery in Harford County," Glassman said.

The statistic about relapse comes from Harford County Sheriff's Office based on repeat overdoses, according to Cindy Mumby, spokesperson for Harford County government.

To send the message that "recovery rocks," stones with positive messages will be placed around the county during September.

Greenspring Nursery of Jarrettsville donated hundreds of rocks that people in recovery painted with inspirational messages. They will be placed along trails and sidewalks.

People are encouraged to move them to help others find them and see their positive messages.

Those who want to pick up rocks can find them in front of the Harford County Department of Community Services office at 125 N. Main Street in Bel Air. People can take pictures of the rocks and share them with the hashtag #Harford4Recovery. This is part of a "social media storm" that Harford County is creating to surround those in recovery with positive messaging throughout September.

The following will be lit purple in September, according to a statement from Harford County:

• Bel Air Armory
• Bel Air Library
• Saxon's Jeweler buildings in Bel Air and Aberdeen
• Purple light strands are being offered to Main Street businesses
• Harford County Health Department is giving purple light strands to Main Street businesses.
• University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health campuses in Bel Air and Havre de Grace
• County government administrative building at 220 South Main Street in Bel Air
• Volunteer fire companies in Level, Fallston, Norrisville and Whiteford
• Havre de Grace Ambulance Corps
• Harford Mutual Insurance Company
• Main Street in Havre de Grace

The Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy is working with partners in the treatment community on outreach efforts to reconnect people with recovery programs and find safe ways for people to attend meetings.

"Everyone in Harford County has the power to help by raising awareness about Recovery Month and by checking in on individuals in recovery and connecting them to resources if they need help," Glassman said.

For Recovery Awareness Day on Wednesday, Sept. 23, Glassman encouraged people to wear purple to honor family members, friends and neighbors recovering from addiction.

"The opioid epidemic has brought terrible suffering to our community and our nation, but there are encouraging stories of recovery too," Glassman said. "This month we celebrate thousands of individuals who have overcome addiction in Harford County. Sharing these stories reduces stigma and sends an important message to families — you are not alone."

Harford County agencies will share daily posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with stories, resources and events promoting recovery.

In addition, Harford County is hosting an online art gallery featuring those impacted by mental health and substance disorders.

See the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy site for more details or call 410-638-3333. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, help is available at the Klein Family Harford County Crisis Center hotline at 800-639-8783.