Harford County government and other countywide organizations will illuminate their buildings and post signage this month in honor of National Recovery and Suicide Prevention Month.

The month raises awareness for substance use and mental health issues while normalizing asking for help. The color purple signifies these efforts. Throughout September, organizations around the county will host events in an effort to boost residents’ knowledge and awareness.

From Jan 1, 2015, to Sept. 4, 2025, there have been 3,248 opioid-related nonfatal overdoses and 597 opioid-related fatal overdoses recorded across Harford County, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office. Over the same period, there were 293 suicide-related deaths. During that time, the Sheriff’s Office recorded a 22% decrease in opioid-related nonfatal overdoses and a 21% decrease in fatal overdoses, but a 33% increase in suicides.

To help reduce these numbers, the Sheriff’s Office uses the H.O.P.E. House, CORE and Pledge programs to teach children about the dangers of drugs.

The H.O.P.E House is a mock teenager’s bedroom designed to educate parents about warning signs of controlled dangerous substance use. The CORE Trailer is a mobile classroom that connects with teens through technology and other devices to deliver drug awareness and prevention messaging.

The Pledge program teaches elementary-aged children about drugs, peer pressure and refusal skills. The department also works with the Office of Drug Control Policy to facilitate drug take-back days to safely dispose of unwanted or unused medications.

All department recruits receive information and training on how to respond to situations that involve people experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis. Deputies also have the option, the department added, to receive advanced training to serve on their crisis intervention team.

Deputies are trained to request emergency medical services for people who might’ve overdosed on medication, alcohol or other drugs. For an overdose that involves an opiate, the department added, deputies are trained and equipped with naloxone, with EMS responding as well.

On Sept. 19, residents are encouraged to wear purple to show their support for the campaign and for those in recovery.

Other participating organizations include the Office on Mental Health, Core Service Agency of Harford County, Inc., a nonprofit that provides oversight, monitoring, promotion and support for accessible and community-based behavioral health services in Harford County. The organization also operates the 24/7 crisis hotline and mobile crisis team.

To help raise awareness and reduce the stigma, the office puts out public service announcements on the radio promoting the 1-800-HARFORD crisis hotline, as well as the 988 helpline. They also host trainings that are facilitated countywide, lead work groups and participate in events like the Out of the Darkness Walk in Havre de Grace.

For more information on events happening throughout the county and participating organizations, visit harfordcountymd.gov/2960/September-is-Recovery-Month.

Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfoster@baltsun.com or 443-826-5894.