LEONARDTOWN, Md. - The St. Mary's County Health Department (SMCHD) will host the fourth annual St. Mary's Goes Purple Walk for Recovery on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Leonardtown Square.

This family-friendly, FREE event will celebrate those recovering from substance use, help end the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, and bring awareness to the disease of addiction and how it impacts our community. SMCHD is partnering with Stella's Girls, The Jude House, Tri-County Area of Narcotics Anonymous, PFLAG Southern Maryland, Charles County Freedom Landing Wellness & Recovery Center, Community Mediation of St. Mary's County, and The Santé Group Southern Maryland for this event.

The Walk for Recovery is open to all community members and businesses. Join us to show your support for those in our community who are in recovery from a substance use disorder. Registration is highly recommended but not mandatory to attend.

Community members can register online at: forms.gle/mVitrEUch1qbg3Z68.

Businesses and organizations interested in tabling the event can register online at: forms.gle/9uUQBuUCzx45JT1c9.

This event will feature music, free Naloxone/Narcan® training, behavioral health resources, and fun activities, including recovery poetry, DJs, lawn games, and face and rock painting. Attendees will receive a t-shirt and a water bottle while supplies last.

"Addiction has affected the lives of many people in the St. Mary's County community," said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary's County Health Officer. "We encourage everyone to participate in this event to show our community's support for those in recovery and to help reduce the stigma that keeps people from seeking help."

For more information about the Go Purple initiative to end stigma around mental health concerns and substance use disorders, please visit smchd.org/behavioral-health/prevention/go-purple.