PALMER’S PLUMBING GOES PURPLE FOR 10TH YEAR

For the 10th consecutive year, Palmer’s Plumbing, LLC will trade in its traditional red uniform shirts for purple throughout the month of September as part of the Queen Anne’s and Talbot Goes Purple campaigns.

For the Palmer’s Plumbing team, wearing purple is about much more than changing the color of a work shirt. It is a personal reminder of the devastating impact addiction can have on families and a way to honor a loved one whose life was lost to a prescription drug overdose.

Jason Palmer, Master Plumber and President of Palmer’s Plumbing, experienced that loss firsthand when his family lost a loved one to an overdose. That personal connection is what has kept the company committed to the campaign year after year.

“Palmer’s Plumbing is proud to align itself with other local community organizations and businesses to encourage our citizens and young people to stand up against substance abuse,” says Palmer. “The purple shirts we wear in September are a visual reminder that we are committed to doing our part to bring awareness of the opioid epidemic to our community.”

Palmer’s family has continued to carry the loss with them, but they have also chosen to use it as a reason to speak up. The company’s goal is not to tell people that addiction happens to someone else. It can affect parents, children, siblings, spouses, friends and coworkers and it can touch families from every background and walk of life.

“If our support of this campaign helps even one person make a better choice, we will consider our involvement a success,” Palmer added.

There is encouraging news in Maryland’s fight against overdose. According to the Maryland Department of Health, the state recorded 1,315 fatal overdoses in 2025, a 26% decrease from 2024 and the lowest number of fatal overdoses in Maryland in a decade. Fatal overdoses have now declined for four consecutive years, and the number of fentanyl-related fatal overdoses fell 31% in 2025.

While those numbers represent meaningful progress, the work is far from finished. More than 1,300 Maryland families still experienced the loss of a loved one in 2025. The continued decline in overdose deaths is a reason for hope but also a reminder that education, prevention, open conversations and access to help can make a difference.

That message is especially important for parents and families. Talbot Goes Purple encourages families to talk openly about substance use, the dangers of misusing prescription medications, medication storage and disposal, and knowing how to respond to an overdose. The program also promotes naloxone training and other resources for the community.

“Sometimes the most important conversation is the one we are uncomfortable having,” said Casey Palmer, Vice President of Palmer’s Plumbing. “We wear these shirts because we want people to notice them, ask questions and start conversations. For our family, this campaign comes from a very personal place. We know what it feels like to lose someone, and if our purple shirts encourage even one family to have a conversation that could make a difference, then they are worth wearing.”

Throughout September, customers will see Palmer’s Plumbing employees wearing the company’s purple “Palmer’s Goes Purple” shirts while working throughout the community. The company encourages other local businesses, families and individuals to join Queen Anne’s and Talbot Goes Purple in standing together against substance abuse and supporting those affected by addiction.

Queen Anne’s and Talbot Goes Purple are community-based substance use awareness and prevention initiatives that encourage residents to stand together against substance abuse, promote education and help reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.

To learn more, get involved or find local resources, visit qacgoespurple.org or talbotgoespurple.org. To learn more about Palmer’s Plumbing, LLC, call 443-786-5337 or visit www.palmersplumbing.com.