Montgomery County Courthouse Lit Purple To Remember Overdose Victims

The Montgomery County Courthouse was lit up purple on Sunday to remember victims of drug overdoses.

County officials held a ceremony on the courthouse steps to honor victims as the local chapter of the National Day of Remembrance.

An average of 129 families experience the loss of a loved one every day due to overdose, according to government statistics.

"We know that too many have lost their battle with addiction," said Kay McGowan, administrator for the county's Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs. "We continue to strive to eliminate barriers to treatment and work to destigmatize the disease of addiction."

About 3,500 Montgomery County residents receive short term intervention services through the Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs every year, the ocunty said. Family members and loved ones struggling with a substance use disorder can receive up to six hours of intervention support sessions free of charge at one of four contracted providers

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs has set-up a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-662-HELP, to assist individuals in finding and accessing treatment options.

Image via Montgomery County