Melrose To Light City Hall In Purple For Recovery Day

MELROSE, MA — Parts of Melrose City Hall will glow in a purple hue on Friday as the city plans to light its City Hall clock tower in recognition of International Recovery Day, the Melrose Mayor’s Office announced on Wednesday.

Purple is the color widely recognized as a symbol for substance use recovery. Its use dates back to at least 1989, as noted in the mayor's office's announcement this week.

“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,” Mayor Paul Brodeur said on Wednesday. “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.”

Melrose and other communities throughout the region have recently highlighted resources for those battling addiction.

These efforts included a regional recovery and remembrance event in Reading on Wednesday, which honored lives lost to addiction while showcasing local addiction resources.

In Melrose in particular, the city also recently launched a series of free mental health first aid training courses.

The first of those courses is set for Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, aiming to provide community members with skills to support neighbors, friends and loved ones in navigating times of emotional distress.

Learn more about the mental health first aid program and see registration options here.

“Although International Recovery Day comes at the end Recovery Month, it's important to remember that recovery is lifelong,” Melrose Public Health Specialist Emily Hatchouel said this week. “The Health and Human Services Department will support those in recovery and everyone else who needs help year-round.”