Overdose Awareness Day In MA: Find Local Events, Vigils

WORCESTER, MA — Cities and towns across Massachusetts will mark a solemn occasion this week: Overdose Awareness Day.

On Aug. 31, vigils and rallies will be held across the state to remember local people who had died due to overdoses — a number that has increased recently.

The rate of deaths from opioid-related overdoses increased in 2021 by 8.8 percent from 2020, preliminary data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released in June showed. Massachusetts had 2,290 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021 — 185 more than in 2020.

Many communities will set up fields of purple flags, the symbol of people lost to drug overdoses. Here are some ways to mark the Aug. 31 day of awareness:

Worcester

The Worcester Department of Health and Human Services, Worcester County District Attorney, and Worcester Interfaith will gather with local residents behind City Hall for remarks beginning at 5:30 p.m. That will be followed by a procession to Winslow Peace Park along Pleasant Street, home of the city's overdose memorial.

Marlborough

There will be a candlelight vigil beginning around 6 p.m. at the Walker Building. Guest speakers will include Kathi Sullivan, who lost her daughter to an overdose, and former New England Patriots player Chris Sullivan.

Framingham

There will be speakers and Narcan training at New Horizons Medical, 214 Howard St., beginning at 2 p.m. The event will also feature an ice cream truck and a release of butterflies.

Natick

On Aug. 29, SOAR Natick will install a purple flag display at First Congregational Church of Natick. The installation will begin at 5 p.m. SOAR will also host an event on Aug. 31 beginning at 6 p.m. at the gazebo on the town common.

Needham

Needham will host a vigil Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:10 p.m. at the gazebo at Memorial Park. Needham’s observance will include speakers, a memorial flag display, and the distribution of informational materials to support community members facing substance use challenges. The event is free and open to the public.

Franklin

Beginning at 6 p.m., a vigil and remembrance walk will take place starting at the Franklin Town Common.

Braintree

Each attendee will receive a live butterfly to set free in honor of those who died. Rsvp, so the town knows how many butterflies are needed. Check-in for the event begins at 10 a.m. Aug. 31.

Find more Overdose Awareness Day events in Massachusetts here.