Monongalia County proclaims September 2025 as ‘Mon County Goes Purple’ for recovery awareness

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission adopted a proclamation at its July 30 meeting declaring September 2025 as “Mon County Goes Purple,” aligning with National Recovery Month and a statewide awareness campaign focused on substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery resources.

Rhonda Van Kirk, identified as an ambassador and state resource director for West Virginia Goes Purple (founded by Tara Mason), read the proclamation and described the initiative’s goals: increasing awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, celebrating recovery, and encouraging community participation through purple‑themed displays and events.

The proclamation notes Monongalia County’s intent to promote programs and activities that raise awareness and to encourage residents and businesses to display purple lights or ribbons during September. Commissioners approved the proclamation by voice vote and posed for photographs with the presenter.

Discussion versus action: Adoption of the proclamation was a formal, symbolic action by the commission and was recorded as approved at the meeting. No budgetary commitment was made during the presentation.

Ending: The presenter thanked the commission and said the movement aims to unite all West Virginia counties in recovery awareness; commissioners discussed possibly illuminating county facilities in purple for a limited time pending logistics.