The Indian River Inlet Bridge and Route 1’s toll plazas are lit purple this month.
The purple lights mark National Recovery Month in September.
“Well in recognition of 2019 being the 30th anniversary of National Recovery Month - DelDOT has lit the Indian River Inlet Bridge and our Route 1 Toll Plazas purple, joining the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), celebrating three decades of helping to spread the message that treatment works,” said C.R. McLeod - the director of communications for Delaware’s Department of Transportation (DelDOT).
He says a lawmaker requested the special lighting, “Senator Nicole Poore had actually reached out to Sec. (Jennifer) Cohan and made this request. And again, we do try to help organizations when we can and show our support for those who are passing along on our roadways and bridges by showing that - to show that we are in solidarity with those who are in all stages of recovery.”
In Delaware, more than 30,000 adults and 9,000 adolescents struggle with mental illness or substance use disorder, according to the Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium’s Action Plan.
Nationally, 11 is the average age of onset of a behavioral health disorder, and 22.5% of the general population are struggling with mental illness.
Delaware adults struggling with a mental illness or addiction, can call the Department of Health and Social Services’ Crisis Helpline in New Castle County at 800-652-2929 or 800-345-6785 in Kent and Sussex counties.
Help Is Here DE is also available to search for treatment resources and services in Delaware or nearby states.
