International Recovery Day Recognized in Melrose With Purple Lights
In honor of International Recovery Day on September 30, the Melrose Department of Public Works will illuminate the Melrose City Hall’s clock tower in purple, which is the color internationally recognized as the symbol for substance use recovery. In 1989, purple was selected as the recovery movement’s official color. In Melrose, the lights also serve as a tool to expand the education and awareness of addiction and recovery locally.
“These purple lights are meant to be a visual cue to celebrate the members of our community who have made the brave choice to be in recovery, as well as their families,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “As our community members pass by City Hall after dark, my hope is that they understand these lights also mark a recognizable reduction in the stigma that has begun to happen over the past several years due to this international campaign.”
Health and Human Services (HHS) will continue to update their resource page for Melrose residents and keep the community informed about mental health and substance use. To stay up to date on Melrose HHS happenings and local resources, residents can visit www.cityofmelrose.org/melrose-health-and-wellness-coalition or sign up for the HHS quarterly newsletter by visiting https://bit.ly/3Rjv0Js
“Although International Recovery Day comes at the end Recovery Month, it's important to remember that recovery is lifelong,” said Emily Hatchouel, Public Health Specialist for the City of Melrose. “The Health and Human Services Department will support those in recovery and everyone else who needs help year-round.”
Free Mental Health First Aid Classes
The City of Melrose is also offering community members the chance to become certified in Mental Health First Aid as part of Mayor Brodeur’s mission to equitably equip the community with the skills to better support neighbors, friends and loved ones experiencing emotional distress. The courses are open to anyone who lives or works in Melrose aged 18 and older.
Melrose community members can sign up for any of the free courses taking place within the months of October and November and become certified in either or both Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth MHFA) or Adult Mental Health First Aid (Adult MHFA). To register, visit www.cityofmelrose.org/recreation.
About the Melrose Health and Human Services Department
The Health Department, now the Health and Human Services Department as of March 2022, is continuously evolving and has recently shifted to expand its services in both physical and mental health, where there is a focus on prevention, remediation, and maintenance. The Department’s mission has always been to promote the personal and environmental health of the community through education and policy development supported by enforceable regulations, and collaboration with other people and organizations. This name change better encompasses the services the Department is providing. To learn more, visit www.cityofmelrose.org/health-and-human-services