Wicomico Goes Purple Impacts; more registrations for addiction resources

SALISBURY, Md- State officials say the awareness of addiction recovery month is making an impact in more people reaching out to get healthcare services for their addiction across the state.

According to the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center, in-person events that get providers face to face with those looking to get into recovery are key to getting resources into communities that need them.

Executive Director Robin Rickon tells 47 ABC that the pandemic led to isolation, and with it came a spike in drug overdose deaths. She tells us those numbers have stayed high in 2020 and 2021, but more community support and more understanding of treatment pathways can not only prevent deaths but help people recover from addiction.

She says to overcome that hurdle, resources like Tri-county Goes Purple can let people know that people who care and help are just a conversation away.

“People are really reaching out and getting the help that they need,” Rickon said adding “you need to have people around, supporting you to entice you to get that help.”

She tells us that just her department has over 170 treatment and help centers across the state for those looking to get help and get access to Narcan and Naloxone.