On Tuesday, September 12, at the Southampton Town Board Meeting, the Town Board voted unanimously on a resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, liaison to the Addiction and Recovery/Behavioral Health Committee, designating September 2023 as National Recovery Month in the Town of Southampton.
Represented by the color purple, National Recovery Month shines a purple light on recovery and raises awareness of substance abuse disorders. Some of the Town’s most famous landmarks will be lit in purple, including the cupola at the top of Town Hall on Hampton Road, the Big Duck on Flanders Road and the Sag Harbor windmill.
“Addiction has touched all of us, in one way or another,” said Councilwoman McNamara. “By shining a purple light on some of the most prominent landmarks throughout the Town, we’re continuing to raise awareness and remove the stigma around addiction and mental health.”
Mental health and substance use disorders affect millions nationwide. According to a 2023 survey by SAMSHA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 in 3 adults suffered from a substance use disorder or a mental illness in the past year. But those impacted are finding recovery services available. More than 20 million adults are now in recovery.
“Mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide. With commitment and support, those impacted can embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness,” stated Kym Laube, Executive Director of Human Understanding and Growth Services, Inc. (HUGS, Inc.). She added, “People can and do recover every day, including right here in the Town of Southampton.”
This month-long initiative is supported by members of the Town of Southampton Addiction and Recovery/Behavioral Health Committee. The Villages of Southampton, Westhampton Beach and Sag Harbor are joining us in going purple for the month of September, with homeowners, shop owners, restaurants and small businesses shining a purple light in their doorways for the month of September.
SAFE in Sag Harbor, a local drug-free community coalition, initiated the purple trend several years ago by lighting the historic windmill and Sag Harbor Village Hall cupola purple for the month of September and now it’s catching on throughout the Town of Southampton. The SAFE in Sag Harbor group will share resources at the Village’s Harborfest later this month.
FREE events will also be held all month long at East End THRIVE Recovery & Community Center in Westhampton Beach, a partnership between Family and Children’s Association and HUGS, Inc.
