Light It Up Purple for Recovery Month

The North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition is sponsoring a 15-day purple lighting on the Town Common in honor of September as Recovery Month. Coalition Chair and Youth Services Director Jen Ford explained, “We are excited to honor Recovery Month by lighting up the gazebo on the Town Common in purple. We pride ourselves on our many efforts around awareness, prevention and treatment, yet also recognize that it’s equally important to acknowledge recovery and those that live it every day.”

Recovery Month recognizes the successes, on-going efforts and challenges faced with recovery. Ford acknowledged, “Recovery is multi-dimensional and complex, impacting nearly every aspect of life. It’s really hard, feels impossible for many.” The purple light campaign seeks to raise awareness of the accomplishments, needs, and struggles of those living in recovery. Ford noted, “We hope by casting a purple glow in the heart of our town it sends a clear message to those in recovery that we see you, we care about you, and are so proud of you.” She added, “To everyone else it is a reminder of the importance of noticing the grit, determination and accomplishments of those around you.”

The purple lights will remain on at the Town Common Gazebo September 15th to the 30th.

If you or a loved one needs support in recovery or behavioral health care, please contact North Reading Mental Health/Substance Use Clinician Laura Miranda at (978) 357-5038 or email lmiranda@nrpd.org.