Ellisha Seabolt, Sara Smith and Misty Mason, representing the Hope Dealer's Project's West Virginia Goes Purple initiative addressed the Wood County Commission this week about their group's efforts. The commission signed a proclamation declaring September as Wood County Goes Purple Month. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG – This September will be recognized as Wood County Goes Purple Month in honor of National Recovery Month.

The Wood County Commission unanimously passed a proclamation at its Thursday meeting after a number of representatives from the Hope Dealer Project addressed the commission explaining what the movement is and what can be done to support those recovering from substance abuse as well as mental health issues.

West Virginia Goes Purple was founded by Tara Mayson, founder and executive director of the Hope Dealer Project, a statewide movement dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma and supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.

The proclamation said the color purple symbolizes the ongoing struggle faced by individuals, families, healthcare providers and law-enforcement in addressing the opioid and substance use crisis across communities in the state.

“Whereas Wood County Goes Purple promotes prevention, treatment, and recovery resources while emphasizing the vital role local agencies and community members play in addressing this public health crisis,” the proclamation stated. “…Wood County Goes Purple encourages open dialogue, community engagement and collective action to combat substance misue and support recovery.”

Wood County Ambassador Ellisha Seabolt spoke to the commission about how West Virginia Goes Purple movement is more than a campaign, it is a movement of awareness, prevention, recovery, healing and hope that unites communities across the state during National Recovery Month each September.

“In 2023, West Virginia made history by becoming the first state in the nation to unite all 55 counties and communities together as one voice for recovery awareness,” Seabolt said. “What began as an idea to bring light into one of the darkest public health crises our state has ever faced has now become a powerful statewide movement reminding individuals and families that they are not alone.”

For a long time West Virginia has been known for overdose statistics, addiction headlines and loss, she said.

“Together, we are changing that narrative, replacing stigma with compassion, silence with conversation, and hopelessness with recovery and resilience,” Seabolt said. “The proclamation…is more than words on paper.

“It is a statement that this community stands beside individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder and believes recovery is possible.”

Commission President Blair Couch said the awareness is about knocking down the stigma associated with substance abuse which those who attended agreed with.

Couch said there are resources locally that help people can work at recovery.

Commissioner Jimmy Colombo said in many instances people have to change their habits, their surroundings and who they associate with so they do not fall back into the cycle of substance abuse.

“Every purple ribbon displayed, every home or building lit purple, every awareness sign placed in a yard, and every conversation started throughout September sends a message of hope across our communities,” Seabolt said. “We encourage residents, businesses, schools, churches, organizations, first responders, recovery advocates and community leaders throughout Wood County to wear purple, participate in awareness efforts and help us continue spreading this message across West Virginia.”

Those appearing before the commission said a growing problem is families who have loved ones passing away from an overdose and the family having no resources to pay for funeral expenses.

County commissioners are encouraging people to wear purple, light their homes and businesses with purple lights, display purple ribbons or signage and participate in recovery-focused events and initiatives.

Contact Brett Dunlap at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com