#LightUpPurpleWC campaign sheds light during Overdose Awareness Month

This August, communities across Warren and Clinton Counties will come together to shine a light on the overdose crisis during Overdose Awareness Month through the #LightUpPurpleWC campaign. This regional initiative encourages residents, businesses, and public buildings to display purple lights throughout the month to honor the lives lost, support those in recovery, and raise awareness about the impact of substance use disorders.

The #LightUpPurpleWC campaign is a collaboration between local health departments, law enforcement, provider agencies, and community members who are united in their commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction. Community councils and trustees, store owners, as well as residents across Warren and Clinton Counties, are encouraged to light buildings and porches in purple —the official color of overdose awareness — as a symbol of hope, remembrance, and solidarity.

“We want to create a visible reminder that overdose affects real people in our communities — our friends, our neighbors, and our families,” said Amy Fornshell, MHRB executive director. “By lighting up purple, we’re not only remembering those we've lost, but also encouraging conversations about prevention, support, and recovery.”

Residents are encouraged to participate by installing purple bulbs on their front porches, sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #LightUpPurpleWC throughout August.

Through compassion, awareness, and action, the #LightUpPurpleWC campaign aims to foster healing and reduce the stigma that often prevents individuals and families from seeking help. For more information on how to get involved, visit mhrbwcc.org

About MHRB

Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties (MHRB) is the local board of mental health and addiction services for residents of Warren and Clinton Counties. MHRBWCC plans, funds, monitors, and evaluates services and programs provided by various agencies that care for residents living with mental health and addiction issues. For more information, visit mhrbwcc.org.