Community in Crisis Goes Purple to Mark Overdose Awareness Day

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ. AUGUST 23, 2021. On Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 8 p.m., Community in Crisis (CiC) will again welcome parents, families, community leaders and clergy to join them as they light their headquarters purple to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, which seeks to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths and spread the message that overdose death is preventable. Turn NJ Purple, an initiative conceived by CiC, will see the Hub building, located at 9 Church Street in Bernardsville, washed in purple light to remember those lost to overdose and to raise awareness of substance use disorder which, during the Covid-19 pandemic, is only further compounded by isolation, restrictions, job loss and poor economic conditions, all stressors further taxing those with mental illness or addiction challenges.

With the volunteer support of local girl scout troops and other volunteers, trees and lampposts throughout town will sport a purple ribbon, and large posters displaying photos and names of those lost to overdose will be displayed in front of the Hub, presenting a reflective setting for the event. Community in Crisis will offer purple lightbulbs to those who wish to display the awareness color in their home windows or outdoors throughout the month of September. Certain houses of worship and businesses in the Somerset Hills have joined the effort this year by displaying purple lighting or ribbons in support of the initiative. According to the C.D.C., overdose deaths soared to a record 93,000 last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. That estimate far eclipses the high of about 72,000 drug overdose deaths reached the previous year and amounts to a 29% increase.

‘This has been an extremely challenging time for everyone in our community and we see the negative impact that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on people’s mental health and well-being,’ said Father Rick Morley of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Basking Ridge. ‘Hiding in the shadows and somewhat forgotten, though, is the addiction crisis that is stealing our friends and loved ones in unacceptable numbers. The more we talk about substance use disorder and bring it out of the shadows so that people feel more comfortable seeking help and finding resources is a step closer to saving lives. We’re proud to partner with Community in Crisis.’

Following International Overdose Awareness Day, September is National Recovery Month, designed to educate Americans on mental health and substance use disorders, in addition to celebrating the work of individuals in recovery and providing support to affected families and patients.

Ken Musgrove, CiC’s Director of Recovery Support, commented, ‘By lighting our building in purple and having the community join us, we make a conscious effort and manifestation to remember those who have passed from overdose and to reduce the stigma of substance-related deaths. By keeping our homes, churches and buildings lit in purple for the month of September, we celebrate the reality and hope of recovery. As building community is our mission and we see community as the cure for this epidemic, we ask the community to join us August 31 in Turning NJ Purple.’

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than half of individuals misusing prescription opioids bought, were given, or stole the prescription drugs from a friend or relative, often from the home medicine cabinet. In an effort to reduce the availability and potential abuse of prescription medications, Community in Crisis will make available packets of DisposeRx and educational materials to attendees of the event, as well as to visitors to the Hub during September. The packets offer a simple and effective at-home medication disposal solution designed to mitigate the risks associated with unused drugs in home medicine cabinets. CiC also offers supplies of Naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), a nasal spray kit that can reverse the effects of an overdose allowing the victim to receive medical help, intervention and resources.

All are welcome. Parking is available behind the building and across the street opposite the Community Hub.

Community in Crisis is a community-wide coalition of volunteers, community group leaders, law enforcement, clergy, medical professionals, mental health experts, local government officials and school representatives working together to combat this ever-growing epidemic with programming, awareness and education about substance use disorder. CiC also offers an array of programs, meetings and sober social opportunities to individuals in and seeking recovery.

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