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Released: 8/30/2021
Ben Franklin Bridge To Shine Light On Opioid Abuse Awareness
The Ben Franklin Bridge will feature several special lightings in an effort to shine a light on the prevention against opioid misuse and abuse, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) announced today.
The Ben Franklin Bridge will be aglow in purple on the following days:
- August 31, 2021 for National Overdose Awareness Day;
- September 1-2 and 29-30, 2021 for National Recovery Month;
- September 18-21, 2021 for Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week.
International Overdose Awareness Day originated in 2001. National Recovery Month was launched in 1989 as a way to increase awareness surrounding mental health and substance abuse. In 2016, then President Barack Obama designated Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.
With support from the Board of Commissioners, the DRPA launched a comprehensive and multifaceted initiative titled “No Stigma. No Shame. Know the facts!” in 2019. In response to the opioid epidemic that has gripped our nation, the goal of the initiative is to educate the Authority’s more than 875 employees about opioid dependency, opioid addiction and the health impacts associated with vaping.
The DRPA is pleased to have the opportunity to generate awareness of this public health crisis and support these national causes affecting our community.
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