TOMS RIVER – Ocean County officials are launching a monthlong campaign aimed at preventing substance misuse, challenging the stigma associated with addiction and guiding residents toward treatment and recovery services.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Prosecutor’s Office and Ocean County Board of Commissioners have partnered to introduce “Ocean Goes Purple.”
The campaign will begin Aug. 31 in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day. Representatives from agencies across the county will offer information and resources outside the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
County buildings in downtown Toms River will be illuminated in purple for the launch. Purple banners will also be displayed near the courthouse along Hooper Avenue to honor those lost to addiction and show support for people and families affected by substance use disorder.
The initiative will continue throughout September, which is recognized nationally as Recovery Month. Local governments, schools, businesses, organizations and residents are invited to wear purple, hang ribbons, light buildings and participate in educational programs and community activities.
Billhimer said addiction reaches families in every community, regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds. He said the campaign reflects the county’s effort to educate residents, break down barriers created by stigma and make sure people know assistance is available.
Commissioners said the color purple represents the county’s commitment to building a broad support network for residents. They also emphasized that recovery does not always follow a direct path and said greater public awareness can help create a safer and healthier community.
Ocean Goes Purple is based on “Talbot Goes Purple,” a public awareness effort established in Talbot County, Maryland. That campaign brought residents together through education, prevention initiatives and visible support for people affected by addiction.
Ocean County’s program will concentrate on three areas: expanding evidence-based prevention education, encouraging greater compassion and understanding toward addiction, and improving public knowledge of available treatment and recovery services.
The Prosecutor’s Office will oversee the initiative’s law enforcement and operational components. It will coordinate with the commissioners, police departments, educators, health care providers, recovery advocates and community groups.
Billhimer said addressing the opioid crisis requires education, compassion and cooperation in addition to law enforcement. He said Ocean Goes Purple will demonstrate the county’s support for recovery, remember those who died and offer hope to people who continue to struggle.
The campaign will be paid for through an Operation Helping Hand grant awarded to the Prosecutor’s Office by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. County taxpayer funding will not be used.
