#LightItUpPurple for Overdose Awareness Day!

Let’s Shine a Light on Overdose Awareness by Lighting Minneapolis in Purple

According to the MN Department of Health 2019 Preliminary Statewide Drug Overdose Deaths Report, drug overdose deaths in Minnesota increased 20% from 2018 to 2019. More than 60% of these overdose fatalities occurred in the Seven-county Metro Area, a continuing trend since 2000. According to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department in July, there have been several spikes in opioid overdoses over the past four months, including at least 50 fatal cases. While COVID-19 has dominated the news cycle, the opioid epidemic and its tragic consequences here in Minnesota have silently fallen to the background of the headlines.

August 31st has been recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event to raise awareness that overdose death is preventable and to reduce the stigma associated with drug-related death. This year, the Steve Rummler HOPE Network is seeking to bring awareness to this ongoing crisis by lighting up the city of Minneapolis purple — the awareness color for drug overdose and the opioid crisis — on Overdose Awareness Day. Those who have lost a loved one or are currently struggling with addiction need to know that they haven’t been forgotten. 

So far we have arranged for the 35W bridge to be lit in purple on the evening of August 31, 2020 and we’re continuing to gather support and reach out to businesses, state departments, and city and state government to meet our goal of seeing every major bridge, building, and landmark in Minneapolis show support of International Overdose Awareness Day. We encourage all to join us in showing your support at your home or business and #LightItUpPurple!