Washington Goes Purple: Starting the Conversation on Prevention and Hope
Each September, Washington County, MD, turns purple to spotlight prevention, recovery, and community action. Washington Goes Purple (WGP) is more than awareness—it’s a county-wide call to action that reflects our region’s commitment to healthier families and safer neighborhoods.
WGP began as a local initiative to highlight the dangers of prescription pill misuse, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The mission is straightforward: give young people and families the knowledge to make healthier choices and prevent addiction before it starts. These prevention strategies are especially critical in areas like Hagerstown, Williamsport, and across the Tri-State region where Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia meet.
At M.I.N.D. Health and Wellness, based in Williamsport, we see firsthand how untreated anxiety, depression, and trauma increase the risk of substance misuse. While substances may seem like an escape, real healing comes through evidence-based psychiatric care, skills-focused therapy, and strong community support. By improving mental health outcomes, we reduce substance use risks and create stronger futures for families not only in Hagerstown but also in Frederick, Chambersburg, and Franklin County, PA.
This year, WGP is drawing attention to the dangers of fentanyl, xylazine, and polysubstance use. These risks make early prevention and open conversations more urgent than ever. Families searching for mental health services in Washington County or psychiatric care in Frederick County can benefit from combining prevention with accessible treatment options.
Take Action: Be Part of the Purple Movement
- 💜 Attend Narcan Training: Learn how to recognize an overdose and administer Narcan. Trainings are held regularly—see the WGP events page.
- 💜 Join a Drug Take Back Event: Safely dispose of unused or expired medications at local drop-off sites in Hagerstown and surrounding towns.
- 💜 Volunteer with WGP: Help at school programs, community walks, or information tables to spread prevention messages in Frederick and Washington counties.
- 💜 Start the Conversation: Discuss prevention and recovery at your dinner table, workplace, or faith community—open dialogue saves lives.
- 💜 Light Up Purple: Show support by lighting your home, office, or storefront in purple during September across Washington and Franklin Counties.
Every small step contributes to a safer community: disposing of medications, learning overdose response skills, or simply talking about stress and healthy coping. When neighbors act together, mental health awareness and substance use prevention strengthen across the region.
M.I.N.D. Health and Wellness is proud to stand with Washington Goes Purple. Our team provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and supportive care for individuals across Western Maryland and South Central Pennsylvania. When mental health improves, reliance on substances decreases—proof that prevention and treatment work best together.
If you or someone you love needs help now, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 911 in an emergency.
