logo
Annual Events, Community, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Public Safety

Rockville Goes Purple

Rockville City hall lit with purple lights at night

Rockville Goes Purple is a campaign, alongside our county and state partners, that seeks to shine a spotlight on the national impact of opioid addiction and create awareness about the epidemic’s impact on our community. 

Each September, Rockville Goes Purple brings our community together to remember lives lost to overdose, celebrate recovery, reduce stigma, and connect residents with prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction resources.

The Mayor and Council proclaim their support each year for September’s National Recovery Month. Lights at the following city facilities shine purple to mark the month: 

  • Rockville City Hall 
  • Rockville City Police Station 
  • Croydon Creek Nature Center 
  • Thomas Farm Community Center 
  • Lincoln Park Community Center 
  • Twinbrook Community Recreation Center 
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre and Social Hall  
  • Rockville Swim and Fitness Center 
  • Rockville Senior Center 
  • Taft Center

From July 2025 to June 2026, Maryland had 1,263 overdose deaths, of which 951 were opioid-related. Montgomery County had 82 overdose deaths, 58 related to opioids. Visit Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response for more information.

A stylized purple awareness ribbon featuring a bold white letter "R" integrated into its design.

2026 Events

Saturday, Aug. 29, 9 – 11 a.m. at Memorial Plaza, 101 Monroe St.

Montgomery County will host the International Overdose Awareness Day Run, Walk, and Roll Remembrance Event. The event will honor those who have died from overdose, raise awareness about overdose prevention, reduce stigma, and support individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use. Learn more at montgomerygoespurple.org/events.

Wednesday, Sept. 9, Noon – 1:30 p.m. at Tree of Hope, 30 Courthouse Sq.

The Maryland Office of Overdose Response and the Montgomery County Overdose Prevention Team will host a Lunch and Learn. Participants will learn about overdose prevention strategies, available community resources, and ways nonprofits can support individuals and families impacted by substance use. Register for the in person or virtual option on our event registration page.

Friday, Sept. 11 – (Location, Time and Registration Coming Soon)

Join us for a hands-on training on how to use Naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This educational session will teach residents how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and safely administer the medication in an emergency.

Monday, Sept. 14, 5:30 p.m. at Rockville City Hall

The Rockville Mayor and Council will proclaim their support for National Recovery Month at their Sept. 14 meeting.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (Registration Coming Soon)
Doors Open 5:30 p.m., Event Begins 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a community film screening and panel discussion of La Estrella, with an introduction by Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. La Estrella is a short film that explores the impact of counterfeit prescription pills on Latino families and encourages conversation about grief, love, and community healing.

Get Help

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services offers a 24-hour crisis center. It provides walk-in crisis services at 1301 Piccard Drive in Rockville and telephone crisis services at 240-777-4000. 

Visit the DHHS website for additional county-related resources, including substance use screening and referrals, take-back locations for safely disposing of prescription drugs, and free Narcan training. 

With support from the city portion of the state’s Opioid Litigation Settlement Fund Abatement Plan, the City of Rockville Community Services Division and its community partners provide outreach, awareness, and education throughout the year to support prevention and early intervention of substance misuse. For education, information, and referral, contact the Community Services Division at 240-314-8300 or hcd@rockvillemd.gov.

Jump To

Contact

Housing and Community Development Department
Community Services Division
240-314-8300
hcd@rockvillemd.gov

Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Address
Rockville City Hall
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850