The Red turns purple, providing community resources to those struggling with addiction

GEORGETOWN, Del. – The Red Health Center turns purple.

The Red Goes Purple

The organization is doing everything it can to connect its community with resources to fight addiction and support those who have lost loved ones to the disease. On Wednesday, the group held an event at its Georgetown location, getting people to open up and get the organizations they need.

“It’s a way to engage the community with the opioid crisis,” said La Red Behavioral Health Administrator John Russum. “We provide Narcan, we provide training and screenings.”

Organizers say Delaware, and Sussex County in particular, have been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. That’s why La Red brought together a number of other community resource groups to participate in the event.

“This is to try to get the community involved, see what’s out there,” Russum said.

Breaking down barriers to care

For those struggling with addiction, taking complete care of yourself is an important part of recovery. However, without access to transportation, or the necessary funds, this can be a struggle. And while Sussex County’s diversity makes its population vibrant, it can also present challenges.

“The language barrier is big,” said Janae Taylor, a registered nurse at La Red’s Mobile Health Unit. “It can be scary if you have an emergency, not being able to communicate effectively.”

Fortunately, the new Mobile Health Unit is built to meet people wherever they are.

It is equipped with all the necessary medical equipment, interpreters and a helping hand. The team in this unit can handle virtually any common illness. They can also provide valuable help to those struggling with substance abuse and abuse.

“When people come into the mobile unit, we ask if they use drugs or when they last used drugs, and we can direct them to the services we offer,” Taylor said. “We can give them a referral to behavioral health.”

“Hold on, don’t give up and reach out.”

And while the health needs of this community are complex, La Red’s message is simple:

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, how you look, whether you have money or not. Hang in there, don’t give up and get closer,” Taylor said. “Everybody’s one step away from anything. You just never know.”

La Red offers a wealth of health care and information at its locations in Georgetown, Milford and Seaford. For more information on how La Red can help you, click here.
log on to red health center dot org.