The District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and DC Recovery Advisory Council (DCRAC) are hosting the 2nd Purple Wave Festival: Strengthening Families and Communities, on Saturday, September 16, from 10 am to 3 pm at 50 O Street, NE, on the corner of North Capitol and New York Avenues. The Purple Wave Festival celebrates National Recovery Month to increase awareness of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover.
New this year is a Let Help In Concert featuring Go-Go legend EU FT Sugar Bear, R&B songstress Elle Varner and other artists emceed by activist and author Tony Lewis Jr. A community panel discussion about “Black Men and Mental Health: Dispelling the Stigma” will address stereotypes and myths that may keep people from getting the help they need and promote services available through DBH.
The Purple Wave Festival includes a new and improved Wellness Village where guests can get free health care information from more than 60 community-based organizations and behavioral health providers.