The impact of suicide loss doesn’t end when the memorial services are over, and DJ’s Alliance says neither should the support.
This November, DJ’s Alliance is challenging Delawareans to turn compassion into action through Delaware Goes Teal & Purple, a statewide initiative honoring lives lost, supporting suicide loss survivors and challenging stigma surrounding mental health and suicide loss.
Under the theme “Stigma is out. Hope is in,” the campaign offers practical ways to challenge stigma surrounding suicide, support people grieving a suicide loss, strengthen community preparedness and honor the lives of those who have died.
The initiative builds toward International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, observed this year on Saturday, Nov. 21, with opportunities for connection, remembrance and support culminating in DJ’s Alliance’s third annual Survivor Day Trot 5K in Dover on Sunday, Nov. 22.
“One day of recognition is important, but people affected by suicide loss need understanding and support throughout the year,” DJ’s Alliance Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Antonik said. “Delaware Goes Teal & Purple is about giving everyone a way to make a difference whether they’ve lost someone, supported someone or experienced a challenging time themselves. It’s about showing someone they matter while challenging how we think about the systems that support us – and you don’t need special training, a large budget or an elaborate event to make that happen.”
DJ’s Alliance has developed a free Delaware Goes Teal & Purple Community Action Toolkit with activities, conversation prompts, checklists and resources for individuals, families, workplaces, schools and community groups. The toolkit is available in both English and Spanish.
Residents can participate by wearing teal and purple, sharing mental health and crisis resources, checking in on someone who is grieving or honoring a loved one through a photo, story or memory.
Businesses, schools, nonprofits and faith communities are encouraged to organize activities, review mental health and suicide postvention policies, coordinate volunteer projects or support survivor care packages. DJ’s Alliance is also inviting municipalities and elected leaders to consider proclamations or resolutions formally recognizing Delaware Goes Teal & Purple during November and International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
“Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest difference. A conversation, a kind word or simply knowing someone remembers can remind a survivor or someone going through a crisis that they haven’t been forgotten and they’re not alone. That’s what we hope Delaware Goes Teal & Purple will inspire,” DJ’s Alliance Board President Heather Cruz-Hackett said.
The campaign is organized around four weekly themes, with community events and opportunities to participate throughout the month:
- Nov. 1–7 | Words Matter: Challenge stigma through compassionate language and meaningful conversations about suicide, grief and mental health. On Thursday, Nov. 5, DJ’s Alliance will host a button-making party at Smyrna Nutrition where volunteers can help create buttons for year-round outreach and awareness activities. Volunteer hours are available.
- Nov. 8–14 | Be Prepared: Encourage families, employers, schools and organizations to strengthen their plans, policies and support systems before a crisis or loss occurs. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, DJ’s Alliance will host a Middletown Chamber of Commerce mixer where attendees can learn about the organization, write supportive letters and help prepare supplies for survivor care packages. Donations of care package supplies are welcome.
- Nov. 15–21 | Remember. Connect. Stay.: Honor loved ones, create opportunities for connection and remind suicide loss survivors they are not alone. On Saturday, Nov. 21, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, DJ’s Alliance is planning a remembrance campfire to bring people together in honor of loved ones lost to suicide. Additional details will be announced.
- Nov. 22–30 | One Moment at a Time: Encourage continued support, self-care and meaningful action beyond November. The week begins with DJ’s Alliance’s third annual Survivor Day Trot 5K in Dover on Sunday, Nov. 22. Delawareans are invited to walk, run, volunteer or cheer, while businesses and organizations can support the event through sponsorships and team participation.
DJ’s Alliance is seeking volunteers, event sponsors, in-kind donations, care package supplies and community partners to support the campaign and its activities. For more information, visit DJ’s Alliance online or send an email. Donations can be mailed to DJs Alliance, PO Box 104, Magnolia, DE 19962.
Participating individuals and organizations are encouraged to share their activities, messages of support and remembrance throughout November using #DelawareGoesTealAndPurple.
To access the free Community Action Toolkit, learn about upcoming events, explore partnership and volunteer opportunities or offer financial and in-kind support, visit DJsAlliance.com or email DelawarePostvention@DJsAlliance.org.
If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support available 24/7. DJ’s Alliance also has additional crisis resources available on its website.
About DJ’s Alliance
DJ’s Alliance is a Delaware-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting suicide loss survivors through compassionate postvention services, peer connections, resources, community education and advocacy. The organization works to reduce isolation, strengthen support systems and ensure that individuals and families affected by suicide loss have access to meaningful support.
Media contact:
Jennifer Antonik
Founder and Executive Director, DJ’s Alliance
DelawarePostvention@DJsAlliance.org
DJsAlliance.com
