October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event began on Friday, October 1 when Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee signed a proclamation designating it so. Citizens can support the awareness efforts by wearing purple every Friday of the month, learning more about domestic violence, donating blood on October 23rd when Vitalent blood services will be holding a blood drive at the Laurel Police Department and by adopting an "if you see something, say something" approach to domestic violence incidents that they witness or suspect. The Laurel Police Department can be reached at 601.425.0270. The Jones County Sheriff's Department can be reached at 601.425.3147. If it is an emergency, please call 911. Additional resources can be found at TheHotLine.org .
