To the editor:

Portsmouth schools, the Town of Portsmouth and community groups across the United States will be “Going Purple” Jan. 25-29 to support The Herren Project’s initiative, Project Purple, a national anti-substance abuse awareness program.

The Herren Project will launch the initiative in coordination with National Drug Facts Week to encourage people of all ages to stand up against substance abuse and make good decisions in the coming year. Events will be held across the United States, all over Newport County and especially in Portsmouth.

The Portsmouth Town Council will officially name the week of Jan. 25-29 Project Purple Week and Portsmouth schools at all levels will participate in having athletic events, the dodge ball tournament of Jan. 29 and student assemblies. Businesses and homes are encouraged to place purple bows and ribbons on their doors and mailboxes to show  support and the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition will be providing a limited number of Project Purple materials for free in the lobby at Clements’ Marketplace on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and collecting donations.

As we get closer to the actual week the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition will provide a complete list of the activities and events that are being planned all over town.

More importantly, students will be encouraged to sign the Project Purple pledge and wear purple in support of those affected by substance abuse. It is our hope that through The Herren Project’s initiative we can join together to make a difference, celebrate life and support one another. I am Project Purple!

The Herren Project is a nonprofit foundation, established by former NBA basketball player Chris Herren, that assists individuals and families struggling with addiction. Project Purple was launched to break the stigma of addiction, bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse and shed light on effective treatment practices.

Project Purple empowers youth to stand up and make a difference, and gives students motivation and support as they embrace a message of education and awareness. Students learn that they do not need drugs and alcohol to meet life’s challenges — that they are good enough and perfect the way they are.

The Project Purple concept was developed when Chris spoke at a local high school in 2011 and the front row of students were wearing purple shirts. After Chris shared his story, one of the purple shirts raised her hand and stood up to speak. As snickering and laughter could be heard throughout the auditorium, the student said, “Thank you, Mr. Herren, for validating what we do. We are the sober students of this high school and each year we take a pledge to not use drugs or alcohol.”

Chris was captured by the courage it took to not only stand up and share the symbolism of the purple shirts, but was inspired to make a difference amongst adolescents across the United States.

We believe in the power of good choices.

We believe that every child deserves to grow up to be who they are meant to be.

We believe that through education and motivation negative peer pressure can be changed to positive peer pressure.

We believe that all students are most impacted and motivated by their peers.

We believe that students seek the truth.

We believe that students have the power to take a stand and make a difference.

We believe that students have it within themselves to take a stand against substance abuse.

We believe that students want to and can make healthy choices.

We believe that students want to show compassion and support one another.

The Portsmouth Prevention Coalition will be coordinating community activities for the week of Project Purple, Jan. 25-29, 2016.

Ray Davis

Coordinator, Portsmouth Prevention Coalition