April 22 designated as “Wear Purple Day”
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners will recognize April as Alcohol Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Union County will increase outreach and education regarding alcoholism and issues related to alcohol. A resolution recognizing April as Alcohol Awareness Month has been passed by the Commissioner Board and it also designates April 22 as “Wear Purple Day”.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been experiencing higher levels of stress, depression and anxiety, causing some to consume alcohol more than they would normally,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The Commissioner Board is committed to helping the Union County community know the facts about alcohol by keeping the lines of communication open, ensuring that our community has access to resources that can prevent or overcome alcohol abuse.”
To raise awareness, the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse (OBHSA) will call attention to the dangers surrounding alcoholism, in addition to sharing resources to find support and treatment. Informational fliers will be placed in high-traffic and common areas in various Union County facilities. Banners honoring Alcohol Awareness Month will also be hung in the County Administration Building’s lobby and Alcohol Awareness ribbons will be distributed.
Alcoholism is a progressive disorder that results in severe health issues, and alcohol accounts for a significant proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions. In Union County, 35% of persons admitted for treatment list alcohol as their primary drug.
Alcohol sales in the U.S. rose 54% at the beginning of the pandemic, according to a Nielsen survey. A recent study also demonstrates consumption has increased significantly since two years ago, with women accounting for a disproportionate share of the difference.
As part of the month-long acknowledgement, all Union County residents and visitors are encouraged to wear purple on April 22, which has been declared “Wear Purple Day” in support of the Alcohol Awareness Month program of the Council on Substance Abuse – National Council on Alcoholism.
By wearing purple, members of the public demonstrate that they support treatment and recovery for alcoholism, or that they know someone who has benefited from treatment.
The Union County awareness campaign is being conducted through the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse in the Department of Human Services. For more information and resources, visit: ucnj.org/obhsa.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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