Wicomico Co. Health Department Hosts The Many Faces Of Recovery” Conference For Wicomico Goes Purple

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — If you’ve been in Wicomico County lately, you may have noticed local businesses, agencies and community organizations decked out in purple.

It’s not just because purple looks good. The color is being used to support Recovery Month and raise awareness about addiction.

Wicomico Goes Purple hosted an event Wednesday to help educate the community about substance misuse and recovery.

Wednesday morning, community members had the opportunity to attend “The Many Faces of Recovery” conference to learn how substance misuse can affect different areas of behavioral health.

Juleanna Willis, overdose awareness prevention coordinator with the Wicomico County Health Department, said substance use can intersect with a variety of behavioral health concerns.

“Whether it’s mental health, sex addiction or gambling. All of them kind of sort of can relate to substance use,” Willis said.

Dr. Sal Corbin, board chair and lead facilitator with the DC Peace Team, said regardless of the recovery journey someone may be facing, it’s important to remain accepting and supportive.

“We tend to judge and isolate and then criticize, and I’m trying to send a different message, one of inclusion. A lot of times people use the phrase seeing the humanity in others, but they don’t really talk about how to do that,” Corbin said.

Corbin said communities need to create spaces that allow people to have conversations and be vulnerable.

“It’s not just showing up for somebody, it’s being present to them. It’s listening to their story and then finding the best place to align, to walk with them, and then support.”

Having an open and inclusive mindset is important when supporting people in recovery, but it can also help break down barriers and reduce stigma.

“I feel like education is a big part of breaking stigmas and just showing people it’s OK to support somebody who’s having a hard time. We all struggle in different ways,” Willis said.

Those looking to show their support can wear purple throughout September in recognition of Recovery Month.