Greensboro Sets Paint the Parks Purple Overdose Awareness Event for Sept. 1

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro’s Community Safety Department will host Paint the Parks Purple from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Country Park Shelter 4, 3802 Jaycee Park Drive.

The free event is designed to raise awareness about overdoses, share harm-reduction strategies and connect individuals and families affected by substance use with local help and support.

Guilford County Public Health and other community resources are scheduled to participate. The city says food trucks, music and raffles will also be part of the event.

Mary Houser, the city’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion coordinator, said the campaign is intended to reduce stigma around substance use and encourage more people to seek help. Organizers are also emphasizing the importance of carrying Naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose.

Purple ribbons placed around Country Park in mid-August will remain through early September in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month. This is the second year Greensboro has organized the Paint the Parks Purple campaign.