“The St. Mary’s Goes Purple initiative works to educate the community on substance use disorders with the goal of ending stigma, advocating treatment, celebrating recovery, and promoting harm reduction practices in St. Mary’s County.”

How can you GO PURPLE?

1. Education: Learn about the disease of addiction, risk and protective factors, and the harm of stigma 
2. Change your language: Use terms that reduce stigma and negative bias when talking about addiction
3. Share personal stories and experiences: Invite people to share their stories – positive interactions can change attitudes
4. Celebrate those in recovery!
5. TAKE THE PLEDGE to describe addiction as a treatable disease and use empowering language instead of words that hurt

Find more from St. Mary’s County Health Department (USA, 2023)